Monza Circuit Guide: how to be better at the Italian Temple of Speed
Monza, officially known as the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, is one of the most famous and historic circuits in motorsport. Located in Italy, Monza is renowned for its high-speed straights, iconic chicanes, and tight corners. Dubbed “The Temple of Speed,” Monza has been a staple of Formula 1 and other racing series for decades.
Overview
Monza is a high-speed circuit that rewards straight-line speed and aerodynamic efficiency. With long straights and few corners, it’s essential to minimize drag and maximize acceleration.
The circuit features three chicanes, where most of the braking occurs, and several high-speed corners that challenge a driver’s precision and control.
Autodromo Nazionale Monza official website: https://www.monzanet.it/en/
Monza Circuit Guide: Key Features
- Length: 5.793 km (3.6 miles)
- Corners: 11
- Notable Sections: Variante del Rettifilo, Curva del Serraglio, Ascari
- Lap Record: 1:21.046 (Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari F2004, 2004, F1)
Sector-by-Sector Guide
Rettifilo Tribune
- Section Type: Main straight
- Tips: The main straight at Monza is one of the longest in motorsport, making top speed crucial. Slipstreaming is a key tactic here, especially in races, to maximize speed before the first chicane.
Turn 1 and 2 (Variante del Rettifilo)
- Corner Type: Right-left chicane
- Braking Point: Hard braking at around 150 meters before Turn 1
- Apex Speed: 70-90 km/h (43-56 mph)
- Tips: This is one of the hardest braking zones on the track. Brake as late as possible but ensure stability to avoid locking up. Use the curbs to straighten the car through the chicane and get back on the power early for the run into Curva Grande.
Turn 3 (Curva Grande)
- Corner Type: High-speed right-hand curve
- Braking Point: No braking, full throttle
- Apex Speed: 260-280 km/h (161-174 mph)
- Tips: Curva Grande is taken flat out in most cars. Focus on keeping the car stable and positioning it to the right to set up for the next chicane. Any correction here can affect your speed down to Variante della Roggia.
Turn 4 and 5 (Variante della Roggia)
- Corner Type: Left-right chicane
- Braking Point: Hard braking at around 120 meters before Turn 4
- Apex Speed: 90-110 km/h (56-68 mph)
- Tips: Like the first chicane, this one requires precision. Use the curbs aggressively, but be careful not to unsettle the car. A good exit is vital as it leads into the high-speed Lesmo corners.
Turn 6 (Lesmo 1)
- Corner Type: Medium-speed right-hand corner
- Braking Point: Light braking before the turn
- Apex Speed: 160-180 km/h (99-112 mph)
- Tips: Lesmo 1 is a tricky corner where it’s easy to run wide. Brake a bit earlier than you think and focus on hitting the apex. Use the curb on the exit, but avoid running too wide onto the gravel.
Turn 7 (Lesmo 2)
- Corner Type: Medium-speed right-hand corner
- Braking Point: Light braking before the turn
- Apex Speed: 140-160 km/h (87-99 mph)
- Tips: Lesmo 2 is slightly tighter than Lesmo 1 and has less runoff on exit. Prioritize a clean exit to maximize speed down the straight leading to Ascari. A good run out of Lesmo 2 can set up overtaking opportunities into Ascari.
Curva del Serraglio
- Section Type: High-speed straight with slight right kink
- Tips: This section is flat out, so focus on positioning the car to the left as you approach Ascari. Slipstreaming can be effective here to close gaps or set up a pass into the next chicane.
Turn 8, 9, and 10 (Variante Ascari)
- Corner Type: Left-right-left chicane
- Braking Point: Hard braking at around 150 meters before Turn 8
- Apex Speed: 170-190 km/h (106-118 mph)
- Tips: Ascari is one of the most challenging sections of Monza. Brake late but maintain control as you navigate the sequence. The goal is to carry as much speed as possible through the chicane while keeping the car stable. Use the curbs to help with rotation, but avoid excessive bouncing that could compromise your exit.
Turn 11 (Parabolica)
- Corner Type: Long right-hand corner
- Braking Point: Medium braking at around 100 meters before the turn
- Apex Speed: 160-180 km/h (99-112 mph)
- Tips: Parabolica is one of the most critical corners on the track, leading onto the main straight. Focus on a smooth, early throttle application to maximize your speed down the straight. Use the track’s full width on exit, but avoid getting onto the gravel or grass as it will significantly reduce your momentum.
Strategy and Tips
- Qualifying: A strong qualifying position is crucial at Monza due to the difficulty of overtaking in the middle sector. Slipstreaming during qualifying can help you gain valuable tenths, but be careful not to get caught in traffic.
- Overtaking: The best overtaking opportunities are into Variante del Rettifilo (Turn 1) and Variante della Roggia (Turn 4). Set up your passes by maximizing exit speed from the preceding straight and using the slipstream.
- Slipstreaming: Slipstreaming is a vital technique at Monza, especially in races. Use the car in front to gain speed on the straights and make your move under braking into one of the chicanes.
- Aerodynamics: Monza demands a low-downforce setup to maximize top speed on the long straights. However, ensure you have just enough downforce to maintain stability through the fast corners like Lesmo 1 & 2 and Parabolica. Complete Monza Setup guide here.
Conclusion
Monza is a track that rewards bravery, precision, and speed. By mastering the chicanes, optimizing your car setup, and executing a good race strategy, you can excel in sim racing at Monza. By assimilating this Monza Circuit Guide, and with a lot of practice, you will certainly improve yourself at this legendary circuit.
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