Magnussen: Imola will fight for good results

Ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen shared his expectations for the fourth round of the season.

Question We are going to Imola for the fourth stage of the season, the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna. You already drove it in 2020, but then unfortunately retired due to problems with the gearbox. What are the characteristics of this track and how well does it match the VF-22?
Kevin Magnussen: Imola is a great track, but in terms of configuration, characteristics, cornering speeds and on the straights it’s more of an average. Since there is a little bit of everything and our car is quite good in every way, I think we will be able to fight for high results. I’m looking forward to meeting this track because it’s just amazing.

Q: Usually the riders, trying to get through the qualifying lap on this track as best they could, were actively hitting the curbs. To what extent do new cars allow this without running the risk of damaging the suspension? Or will the race tracks have to be modified in some way?
Kevin Magnussen: These cars have lower ground clearance and stiffer suspension, making curbs a little harder to ride than the old cars. We’ll see, but I hope we’ll be competitive enough and be able to face all the difficulties, including driving on the pavement.

I repeat: I think that our car as a whole is very good, so everything should be fine.

Question: Imola organizes the first sprint of the season, and for you the first experience to participate in such a race, and the first weekend organized according to the modified program. Taking part in this year’s sprint races will give drivers more opportunities to earn points as these are now awarded to the top eight. Guess what, will we see a brighter fight on the track on Saturday?
Kevin Magnussen: I think it’s good that points are now awarded to all top eight riders as all points earned are subject to prize payments, so I’m determined to fight for them. And the race promises to be brilliant!

In my opinion last year’s sprint races weren’t that interesting, because everyone was more conservative, because the stakes weren’t very high. But now, if we have to fight for points, I think we’ll see sharper duels on track, and I’m already preparing for it.

Q: Last month it was announced that Imola would host Formula 1 races until 2025. With new tracks appearing on the calendar, how important do you think it is to keep stages in the championship on classic tracks with a rich history? Or is it more important to develop new markets?
Kevin Magnussen: I am a racer and I like to race on historic tracks, but I also understand that the geography of Formula 1 needs to be expanded. If we go to new tracks, it’s good for our sport, because it attracts the attention of new fans.