Formula 1 to get tough on track limits at Monza

Italian Grand Prix

Formula 1 to get tough on track limits at Monza

Drivers will be watched carefully at several spots around the lap

Sam Hall

Thursday 3 September 2020 12:21

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Formula 1 race director Michael Masi has said in his events notes drivers will have lap times removed if they run wide at the lap ending Parabolica across the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

Track limits have been more closely monitored in 2020 than in previous F1 seasons with the installation of timing loops at key areas of the circuit.

For the Italian Grand Prix, the Rettifilo chicane, Roggia chicane and the Parabolica are the key areas of focus for Masi.

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In his event notes, the race director said: "A lap time achieved during any practice session or the race by leaving the track [all four wheels over the white track edge line] on the outside of Turn 11, will result in that lap time and the immediately following lap time being invalidated by the stewards."

Ahead of the 2014 Monza event, the gravel trap on the outside of the Parabolica was replaced by a large tarmac run-off.

He added, "On the third occasion of a driver cutting behind the apex of Turn 5, and/or crossing the white line on the outside of Turn 11 during the race, he will be shown a black and white flag, any further cutting will then be reported to the stewards.

"For the avoidance of doubt this means a total of three occasions combined, not three at each corner."

As expected, Masi clarified drivers will not be penalised if they are forced off the track by another driver, but does stipulate that, should this occur at the Rettifilo or Roggia chicanes, drivers would still be expected to navigate the polystyrene blocks in the escape road.

"Four rows of polystyrene blocks have been placed in the escape road at Turn 1 / Turn 2 [first chicane]," said Masi.

"In order to ensure that cars are able to re-join the track safely any driver using the escape road must go around the end of each of these rows and re-join the track at the end of the escape road.

"Drivers may only use the grass if it is clearly unavoidable.

"Any driver going straight and who misses the black and yellow bumps placed before the apex kerb of Turn 5 (second chicane) must stay to the right of the yellow line and the bollard, he may then re-join the track at the far end of the asphalt run-off area after the exit of Turn 5."

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