Virgin Racing head to Monza with a heavily upgraded rear for their MVR02, confident it will be a massive step forward...
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Timo Glock: "Monza is a fantastic track situated in the heart of the town, just outside Milan. The track is generally flat, but has gradual gradient from the second Lesmos to the Variante Ascari and the grip here is very low due to the aerodynamic profile needed. Understeer is also more of an issue here than at other tracks, however, we do experience oversteer in the second sector. I always enjoy driving at this fantastic track as it's the fastest on the Formula One calendar so it's always a real challenge. The Variante Ascari is probably one of my favourite parts of the track as well as the Parabolica, where the real challenge is to brake as late as possible."
Jérôme D'Ambrosio: "My home grand prix has come and gone but I will never forget what a fantastic weekend it was. I want to say thank you to all the Belgian fans for their support, it was a very special weekend and it's always great to be at home. I now can't wait to drive a Formula One car at high speed in Monza. Speed is important, but braking stability is also vital, as well as the ability to ride the kerbs. The atmosphere here is also very special, with a lot of emotional Italian fans that will cheer us on from the grandstands."
John Booth, team boss: "From the legendary Spa-Francorchamps we move on to another historic and prestigious track, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. It's another classic Grand Prix of real racing which we all look forward to and it's a special track with a wonderful atmosphere and where all the teams receive some support from the Tifosi.
"Monza is the fastest circuit of the year, with four long straights and fast corners that enable the cars to reach high speeds. Drivers are on full throttle for most of the lap, making it a very demanding track for the engine. So here the emphasis is on engine power and aerodynamic efficiency, which require the cars to be set up with a special low-downforce aerodynamic profile to minimise drag. This can make the car a bit difficult to handle, particularly on the brakes for the first and second chicanes. The famous Lesmos, Ascari and Parabolica turns are all about balance: if the driver has the right balance then he has the confidence to carry speed through the corner and into the next straight.
"So we face the final part of the season with confidence and ready for the flyaways which we have already started packing for. After coming back from the summer break and achieving the ninth double finish of the season in Spa, we clearly know the way to continue and we just have to demonstrate our excellent reliability until the end of the season."
