Milan,
16
September
2024
|
11:03
Europe/Amsterdam

MONZA WELCOMES THE GTWC WITH A NEW TRACK SURFACE AND INCREASED GRIP

The track resurfacing has delivered increased grip which affects car and tyre performance

Improved drainage and water collection

Braga: “Vital for drivers to understand how best to manage the tyres”

The GT World Challenge show, with a championship that has yet to be decided with three races remaining, is back in Monza at a track currently undergoing a renovation programme, with many significant new features already in use. Apart from changes aimed at improving the infrastructure of the facility, such as modifying underpasses and building a new one, the most significant changes that affect the actual racing, car performance and the tyres are the improved drainage system to clear away water and the fact the entire track has been resurfaced.

THE CHALLENGE
The main changes resulting from all the modifications have already been assessed by Pirelli at the Italian Formula 1 GP and they are:

  • A smoother, darker track which is normal with a new surface
  • As a result, a higher track temperature than usual can be expected in sunny weather, as was the case over the F1 weekend, when it reached 54 degrees centigrade
  • Increased grip which thus influences overall performance of cars and tyres and the operating temperatures of the latter
  • Rapid track evolution over the course of the weekend

PIRELLI QUOTE
Matteo Braga, Pirelli Circuit Activity manager: “We know the Monza track very well, along with the challenges it poses as one of the fastest circuits of all, which the new surface will only serve to emphasise and increase in severity. It will be important for the teams and drivers to gather as much information as possible during practice and qualifying, so as to optimise tyre management, as we saw with the recent Formula 1 Grand Prix. But keep an eye out on the weather, as rain cannot be ruled out and that would mix things up. In summary, I’m sure that, as always at Monza, we will be treated to a spectacular and exciting race.”

THE TYRES AT MONZA
For dry conditions, drivers will have the DHF, developed to meet the specific demands of all GT classes.

Among the main characteristics of the DHF are a wide operating range and a construction that helps balance the car thanks to a better connection between front and rear.

In the case of rain, drivers will be able to rely on the Cinturato WHA.