F1 Farewell to Europe – Mark’s Monza Preview
Mark says his Formula One farewell to Europe at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. Monza is a track at which he’s had mixed results in the past – a best result of fifth – and he’s looking to go out on a high in Sunday’s 53-lap race.
“There’s no doubt that Monza is special,” says Mark. “The track has hosted more grands prix than any other track on the calendar and the Italians give it a special atmosphere. You can see the fans hanging off trees in the park and the grandstands are always full, with a mix of generations watching together. You see kids with their grandparents, which is great.
“I’ve always enjoyed being in Italy, ever since my Minardi days, and I look forward to racing there. I’d like to get my best result at Monza on Sunday.”
Red Bull head to Monza with a convincing 77-point lead in the constructors’ world championship. Mark finished fifth at Spa-Francorchamps last time out, where he was forced to play catch-up after a clutch problem at the start of the race, and he’s hopeful that he won’t have a repeat of the problem on Sunday.
“It’s a long drag to the first corner here,” he says. “If I’m as slow away from the line as I was at Spa I’ll get absolutely hammered on the run to the first chicane, so it’s important that we don’t have a repeat. The team knows why we had a problem last time out, so I’m hopeful that we’ll be okay.”
With an average speed of more than 150mph, Monza is the fastest track on the calendar and the only true low downforce circuit. The teams develop low downforce packages specifically for the race and the cars handle differently as a result.
“You take the downforce off here, so the car behaves differently,” says Mark. “The top speeds are high – you’re doing in excess of 205mph on four occasions around the lap – and you need to nail the braking and the chicanes to be quick. It’s a unique challenge and one that I enjoy.”
Mark’s weekend started with a party in Red Bull’s Energy Station on Thursday evening, where many of the drivers on the grid turned up to wish him well when he leaves F1 at the end of the year; let’s hope the weekend ends with a party too!
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4 Comments
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Jill and Brian
on September 6, 2013Hi Mark
Just watching FP2 – KERS problem again, just what are they doing to you? Really hope they get your car sorted we really want to see you finish your last season in F1 on a high. Hope you enjoyed the party, you must have a lot of mixed emotions going on. We know you will drive your heart out Mark all the best, we’re with you all the way. Come on champ. -
Dina A.
on September 8, 2013Really, really hope for this..
AUSSIE ANTHEM & JUMPING MARK…
(I think even some tifosis would be happy for you..)
FORZA MARK!! BEST OF LUCK CHAMP!! -
Patty
on September 8, 2013Great qualifying for you, Mark. Best of luck to you at the Italian Grand Prix. Celebrating my birthday on race day. It would be a great birthday present to see you win.
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Billy
on September 8, 2013G’day Mark,well done mate,second to Vettel,thats pretty good going,i hope your car gets off the start ok,I wish you well mate,just enjoy it no matter what!
Regards Billy
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