Hard on engines and equally hard on brakes, Monza’s low downforce configuration also demands excellent stability, a good traction and an excellent kerb riding capabilities from the cars. Armed with a good testing here last week as well as their good finish in similarly configured Canadian GP, Technical Director Willy Rampf is hopeful for a strong race this weekend.

Mr. Rampf shares some insights into the intricacies of Monza: “The Italian Grand Prix is known for the highest average and top speeds of the season. In Monza a fast lap time requires very high straight-line speeds and therefore low drag and hence a low downforce configuration.

“This circuit is very hard on engines, so that will be interesting with this season’s two-race rule. Monza has the highest full-throttle load on the engine per lap of all tracks. It follows that the brakes take a lot of punishment here, too, as all that speed has to be shed at the chicanes.

“At the first of them, in the first corner, drivers have to brake from speeds as high as 360 kmh to 80 in just over three seconds, so brake efficiency and handling stability are extremely important. To be fast in the chicanes, excellent kerb riding and traction are required. With such a low downforce configuration this is a real set-up challenge for the engineers.

“Tyre wear is less of a factor here, and while a two-stop strategy is feasible you could also get away with one.

He summed up: “We had a reasonable test at Monza last week and the SAUBER PETRONAS C24 was competitive in low-downforce configuration in Canada, so we are hopeful of a strong race.”