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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And this is not the finish yet.
I sure.
And the conditions in which the record was set only emphasizes the class of Hamilton.
This is in contrast to those, who say that Hamilton only is lucky

He is lucky!

He's lucky it rained so he could dominate hard!
 
I'd love to say that I'm excited about Hamilton breaking Schumacher's record, and it is quite an achievement, but all records in modern F1 just seem so meaningless. We have so many races now, seasons dominated by one or two cars and a couple of drivers, the new points system and younger and younger drivers that whenever a record is "broken" it just washes over me.

F1 2017, although I've enjoyed many of the races this season, is a very long way from being a golden age.

Anyway, back to the race, I was out for qualie and glad I wasn't sitting about waiting for it to start. Expect Hamilton to run away with it tomorrow as the Force India and Williams hold up those behind. Maybe for 10 laps we will have some excitement and then the race will wither away and we will be sitting watching tyres being as the most exciting thing on offer.
 
that eventually because as i said on chat like Guinness famous slogan. "good things come to those who wait" wait and wait and wait & wait some more. but it was easily my favourite qualifying in yrs. because i love it went drivers are on the edge, where the drivers ability counts for more than cars pace. undoubtedly outstanding lap from Lewis to be 1.1secs clear in them conditions & that field is highly impressive.

but for me lewis isnt the star today. because have to hand it to next generation verstappen, ocon, vandoorne & stroll all highly impressive. i know alot of have bashed stroll this season but the guy has talent undoubtedly just got to give him time. as you cant fluke that sort of performance in wet
 
also a nice bit of innuendo as well.
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I'd love to say that I'm excited about Hamilton breaking Schumacher's record, and it is quite an achievement, but all records in modern F1 just seem so meaningless. We have so many races now, seasons dominated by one or two cars and a couple of drivers, the new points system and younger and younger drivers that whenever a record is "broken" it just washes over me.

F1 2017, although I've enjoyed many of the races this season, is a very long way from being a golden age.

Anyway, back to the race, I was out for qualie and glad I wasn't sitting about waiting for it to start. Expect Hamilton to run away with it tomorrow as the Force India and Williams hold up those behind. Maybe for 10 laps we will have some excitement and then the race will wither away and we will be sitting watching tyres being as the most exciting thing on offer.

;)

2907988-snowwhite_grumpy_7.gif
 
I'd love to say that I'm excited about Hamilton breaking Schumacher's record, and it is quite an achievement, but all records in modern F1 just seem so meaningless. We have so many races now, seasons dominated by one or two cars and a couple of drivers, the new points system and younger and younger drivers that whenever a record is "broken" it just washes over me.
More races in the season is larger psychological and physical stress for drivers.
And of course everything is relative.
Where are the others, whose statistics of pole positions are comparable with Hamilton?
Even Vettel still very far away from him.
 
And this is not the finish yet.
I sure.
And the conditions in which the record was set only emphasizes the class of Hamilton.
This is in contrast to those, who say that Hamilton only is lucky


If another British driver like Jenson, would've achieved what Lewis had regarding pole positions, rest assured olegg the compliments and congratulation would be flowing,
 
If another British driver like Jenson, would've achieved what Lewis had regarding pole positions, rest assured olegg the compliments and congratulation would be flowing,

I've not heard anything but Hamilton having a pole record for the last two weeks! The "compliments and congratulation" has been half way to nauseating.

Every pole is in an attempt to win the race. Every pole. Hamilton as 2nd for wins is more important and impressive than 1st for poles.
 
Michael S is still on a better race/win ratio than Hamilton but only just. There is a good chance Hamilton will take top spot before his career is out.
 
I wouldn't back against him taking top spot, nor would back against him finishing behind Sebastian Vettel either.

It will all depend on what machinery they all have.

The record I think it would be unique for him to keep is that of winning a race in each of the seasons he's competed in. That is astonishing.
 
I' cant remember but every pole and wins Hamilton gets will set him further away from Vettel who at one stage was considered possibly going to overtake Schumacher's record but were it not for his barren seasons in 2014 and 2016

Vettel might have enough time in his career left now to beat those records unless he somehow keeps winning with Ferrari and manages to prolong his stay without being screwed by the politics within Maranello
 
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