Giovinazzi: Monza’s unique character remains the same

Antonio Giovinazzi has been combining his duties as reserve driver for the Scuderia with racing for the Ferrari factory team in the WEC for several years now, and he has experience driving both Formula 1 cars and sports prototypes from the Hypercar class at Monza. On the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, Antonio answered questions from the Ferrari press service about the details of the preparation for the race at the classic circuit.

Q: Tell us something about the characteristics of the Monza circuit…
Antonio Giovinazzi: Ferrari’s home race is always a special occasion and this year it promises to be even more interesting as the circuit has undergone a number of changes. The asphalt surface has been completely renewed, the radii of some corners have been adjusted and the kerbs have been replaced – in general there are quite a few innovations.

But the unique character of Monza with its long straights, intense braking points, chicanes and fast corners remains the same. They say that the Ascari corner will be even faster than before, so I expect that there will be very interesting challenges for everyone during the Italian race weekend.

And of course people expect good results from Ferrari.

Q: Speaking of the technical side of things, what aspect of setting up the car at Monza do you find most difficult?
Antonio Giovinazzi: Of course, choosing the right level of downforce is very important. Monza is a fast circuit and to make the car perform as well as possible on long straights, it needs to be set up for the highest possible speed.

Braking at Monza in a car that is subject to very little aerodynamic stress is therefore very different to what the drivers had to deal with at Zandvoort, where a lot of pressure is required.

The biggest challenge at Monza is choosing a level of downforce that provides the most effective grip of the drive wheels on the road when exiting corners and the most dynamic acceleration.

Q: You have a lot of experience in Monza – the last time was last year when I drove a Ferrari hypercar on the WEC podium. What emotions does the Ferrari factory team driver experience at this circuit?
Antonio Giovinazzi: I will answer in one word: proud. I am Italian and from Thursday, from the first appearance on the circuit, you really feel the support of the tifosi – this continues until Sunday evening.

Such a passionate reaction from the public forces us to give everything, and it seems that the fans help to squeeze that last tenth of a second out of the car. From the cockpit you can see that the stands are simply filled with red, and you understand that you have to perform as well as possible, both in the interest of the team and in your own interest, but above all – in the interest of all these people who came to watch the race and try to make us feel their love for Ferrari.