Formula One makes its annual visit to the historic Monza venue in Italy for the Gran Premio d’Italia onSeptember 7-9 where Bridgestone’s medium and soft compound Potenza Formula One tyres will be used.
The medium and soft compounds occupy the mid-range of Bridgestone’s 2007 Formula One tyre range andhave been used four previous times this season, in Australia, the United States, France and Germany.
The Monza track has long straights which require the cars run with low downforce set-ups to maximise theirtop speeds. Conversely this means the tyres have a more prominent role in the slow speed corners, thechicanes, as the low downforce means that mechanical grip comes to the fore. Traction out of the chicanesis important to maximise the potential on the straights, so Bridgestone’s rear tyres in particular will receive aharsh workout.
The final corner is harsh in terms of tyre wear, but it is also important as the start/finish straight follows. It’snot only the high speeds that challenge the tyres at Monza either, as the kerbs are frequently attacked in anaggressive manner to get a fast lap time.
The Italian Grand Prix has been won on Bridgestone tyres six times during Bridgestone’s participation inFormula One, with the first win coming in 1999 by Jordan driver Heinz Harald Frentzen and the most recentlast year with Scu Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher.
Q&A Kees van de Grint, Bridgestone Motorsport Head of Track Engineering Operations:
What challenges does Monza present?
“Monza is an extremely difficult circuit to master from a tyre perspective. In terms of track surface you coulduse a soft tyre. However, because of the high speeds a lot of heat is generated and therefore to cope withthat you select a harder compound. This combines with the low downforce to make a compromise in termsof grip. ”
What factors do teams need to be aware of in their use of the tyres?
“It’s extremely important in Monza that the teams adhere to the minimum tyre pressures we advise fordurability reasons, and this is a higher pressure than at other tracks. Of course the high pressurecompromises the traction in the slow corners, but safety comes first. It’s up to the team engineers to get thebest compromise from their cars from the aerodynamics and suspension settings. ”
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