Grand Prix 2017 Italian Grand Prix Practice, Qualifying & Race Discussion

Monza. Or as I like to think of it, ‘MONZAAAA!’. With more GPs hosted than anywhere else; the basic principle of speed defined in its iconic layout; and fans that provide a level of enthusiasm not seen at any other circuit, Monza could be said to transcend the sport itself. Will it live up to its billing this year?

Mercedes romped it in 2016, with Lewis missing out on a hat-trick of Monza victories after a poor start handed the lead to Rosberg, which he kept to the line. This must have been particularly galling for Lewis after having lit up the circuit on Saturday with a pole lap half a second quicker than his team-mate. But this year is different – Ferrari are leading the championship with a much stronger car. Then again, if Spa is anything to go by, Lewis has Ferrari in his pocket on a fast circuit.

Alonso last won here for Ferrari in 2010, the Tifosi will be clamouring for another home victory and this year represents the best chance since then by a long chalk. Vettel has the machinery and skill to give the fans what they want – maybe – and will be itching for a victory here for a third manufacturer, having got his maiden win here with Toro Rosso in 2008, then again with Red Bull in 2011 and 2013. Kimi has never won here, almost certainly due to gorging on gelato throughout the weekend, and unless there’s a problem for Lewis or Seb I can't see him winning – likewise Bottas. On paper it’ll be Mercedes and Ferrari filling the podium places, surprise surprise, but of course anything can happen.

Track changes: reports say that the Rettifilio chicane at the beginning of the lap will disappear, and the Curva Grande will be replaced with a slight right followed by a chicane. This will supposedly make the lap a second quicker, with lap times expected around 1.18. Gravel is returning to the Parabolica apparently, although whether this makes much difference remains to be seen. Jaques Villeneuve's overtake around the outside of Schumacher on the Parabolica may remain a one-off. However, overall these changes sound positive.

Edit: Rewind - it appears that these changes have not taken place this year after all tsk tsk slack reporting on my part. I found this inconclusive but fairly clear post on Reddit:

Monza's first chicane modification won't be ready for 2017 GP. 2016 configuration will be used. • r/formula1

Anyway, it’s a pleasure to not have the spectre of doom hanging over Monza, given the situation under Bernie. It really seems as if things have changed for the better. The new owners have made positive noises with regards to the ‘older’ circuits, and this is as steeped in history as it gets. Monza is safe for now, and a good thing too.

In his autobiography ‘Watching the Wheels', Damon Hill referred to Monza as the 'Circus Maximus’ of F1. We hope this charged atmosphere brings the best out of the drivers, and that translates into a spectacle for us. Expect Alonso to set the fastest lap on a fresh set of ultras with 2 laps to go, Massa to retire at the end of the race, and young Max to pull up with a car failure.

Even if it turns out not to be quite the race we want, it’ll still be entertaining to watch them blast through the Ascari chicane on the onboard camera – a personal favourite. Bring it on.
 
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So...Pirelli brought the wrong tyres, then.

And a Ferrari fastest in sector one at Monza. Must have been a while since that happened.
 
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The two Red Bulls will be towards the back of the grid after taking new engine units so we should see some overtaking in the race.
 
sounds like a great night. just get rid of 3 males 1st LOL

also for 2nd race in a row. ive got on sky sports. i was guy that said hulkenburg was world champion in waiting. just a shame big team never picked him up
 
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Just put on the GP3 qualie and it's pissing down with rain at Monza. It's so wet they have delayed the running.

well this rain was scheduled for yesterday afternoon a 3 days of rain in a few hrs. as why everyone was keen in fp1. & has turned up today. could be very jumbled grid with grid penalties & rain
 
Two years ago it was the same on the Saturday morning. The Duomo square in Milan was under water at 8:00 am, By the time I arrived at the circuit the rain had stopped and everything dried up very quickly. The rest of the weekend was dry and hot, from the weather forecast it will be the same again this time.
 
just thinking hypothetically Qualifying doesnt take place as rain doesnt go away. am i right i thinking the grid would be formed by championship standings
 
The Beeb commentators have just pointed out that Hamilton has finished the session in last position. That'll teach him to choose one of the highest numbers.LOL
 
If qualifying IS rained out, I think the grid should be set-up Australian Pursuit style based on the current standings. Maybe THEN we would see some real racing.:whistle:
 
admitally wasnt expecting this feature to return but in that lull things got desperate so 2nd in the series of what to do you if you forgot your umbrella at sporting event, empty your rucksack & put it on your head

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The Beeb commentators have just pointed out that Hamilton has finished the session in last position. That'll teach him to choose one of the highest numbers.LOL


That high number surely didn't hurt Lewis during Q3. As he broke Michael Schumacher's record by winning his 69th pole position, under such terrible, and fluid conditions.
 
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