McLaren preview the Italian GP
Jenson Button: “I think every racing driver looks forward to Monza. It’s one of the greatest circuits in the world, with a unique layout and an atmosphere and vibe that make it probably the most special place we visit each year. I’ll never grow tired of going there.
“Driving out of the pits at Monza is always cool. You’ve been so used to the higher downforce levels that we run at most other circuits, that it just feels crazy when the speeds keeps rising and rising – it never seems to end. And, with ERS and DRS, I think we could have a very special Monza race.
“It’s such a fast circuit that it really requires a different driving approach to any other circuit on the calendar. You’re running such low levels of downforce that braking and accelerating are made much trickier – under heavy braking, the car is constantly trying to break away from you; equally, when you’re trying to get the throttle down, the car is unsettled, so the rear is squirming around. It’s a unique challenge.”
Kevin Magnussen: “I last raced at Monza in the World Series by Renault 3.5 back in April last year. I was runner-up in both events, and took a pole too. I’m looking forward to getting back there: it’s such a great racetrack, and it’s a grand prix I’ve watched since I was very young – it’s a place where I’ve always wanted to race a Formula 1 car.
“With this year’s hybrid cars, I think Monza will be spectacular, too. We’re expecting to see top-speeds in the region of about 345km/h (214mph) – and that’s without a tow – which ought to be the fastest speeds we’ll have seen so far this season. That will be great for the fans.
“I think we showed at Spa-Francorchamps that our low-downforce package has kept us in the mix, and I’d like to come away from the Italian weekend with some good points for the team. I certainly think we’re making progress, and it would be good to pull it all together over the course of a single weekend.”