Italian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

Few circuits on the planet can claim a more illustrious heritage than the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, or just Monza as we refer to it. While the circuit configuration changes may have sent the infamous bankings into disrepair, the Tifosi do not allow visitors to forget the echoes of the past - as well as the great Ferrari legends to have raced there. After Lewis Hamilton spoiled the Scuderia's day in 2012, as he claimed a comfortable victory ahead of a fast charging Sergio Perez. Alonso managed to entertain the Tifosi with an admirable P3, as well as his first glimpse through the directors eyes on the podium.

Rewind 12 Months...

Lewis Hamilton took victory in comfortable fashion from Pole Position, in what turned out to be his penultimate victory at McLaren. Strategy was significant in the race, as the fast charging Mexican of Sergio Perez benefited from a one stop strategy and managed to charge through the field. By the end of the race, the Mexican finished just 4.3 seconds behind Hamilton, whose seem-less grip of the race was under scrutiny courtesy of the strength of the Sauber - Perez combination in the closing stages. 

Sebastian Vettel will be hoping fr an improvement on his 2012 display this weekend, as the German suffered a disastrous weekend. The RB8 lacked pace with a recurring alternator failure which curtailed his progress in both FP3 and on lap 47 of the race. Red Bull are likely to be much stronger this weekend. 

Weekend Predictions

Monza is always a prime destination for close racing. The circuit characteristics and double DRS zones allow the field to remain at close quarters - meaning that titanic battles are exceedingly common. The Red Bull's have famously struggled for pace in Italy, but their unanticipated dominance at Spa has caused everyone to rethink the form guide in terms of the low downforce packages. The cripplingly high levels of drag have seemingly been quelled by Newey and company and it will surly take a monumental effort from the competition to beat the might of Sebastian Vettel. Fernando Alonso will have to display his full array of talents, if he can land the Tifosi another victory on home soil.
Apologies for the brief preview. I have just begun Sixth Form and am currently adjusting to a new pace of life. However, normal coverage will resume from tomorrow, with the three usual articles being posted throughout the weekend.