Ricciardo enthusiastic about his return to Monza
Friday, 30 August 2024
The Aussie driver is brimming with enthusiasm despite not scoring points in the previous race at Zandvoort.
Daniel Ricciardo is gearing up for an exciting return to the iconic Monza circuit for this week's Italian Grand Prix.
Ricciardo's history with Monza is rich with fond memories, including his thrilling victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. This background adds an extra layer of excitement as he prepares to tackle the high-speed track once again.
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Reflecting on his recent performance, Ricciardo remains upbeat about his team's execution in Zandvoort. "Although we didn't score points in Zandvoort, we executed a great race and definitely got the most out of the car and strategy," he said. This positive outlook has Ricciardo confident they can build on that performance this week.
The Australian's affection for Monza extends beyond the track. With a cheeky grin, he added, "I've always got great memories of Monza, the fans are amazing, the win in 2021, but most importantly the pizza is something special."
Monza presents unique challenges for drivers and teams alike. As Racing Director Alan Permane explains, "Monza is a low downforce and high speed circuit with the cars regularly exceeding 350kph." This high-speed nature brings with it demanding braking requirements, with cars decelerating from 350kph to around 70kph for the turn 1/2 chicane.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this year's race is the complete resurfacing of the track. Permane notes, "Traditionally it's been a low tyre wear and degradation race, but a new surface may change this." This uncertainty means teams will need to devote part of Friday's practice sessions to assess tyre behaviour and prepare optimal race strategies.
Ricciardo's teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, also shared his thoughts on the upcoming race. "Driving a car with very little downforce is always exciting," Tsunoda said, highlighting the unique thrill of racing at Monza.
As the Formula 1® circus descends on the Temple of Speed, all eyes will be on Ricciardo to see if he can channel his past success and love for the circuit into a strong performance.
