Ross Brawn again calls for reverse-grid race after Monza "excitement"

Formula 1

Brawn again calls for reverse-grid race after Monza "excitement"

The idea was voted down before the start of this season

Ian Parkes

Monday 7 September 2020 17:49

Ross Brawn is set to again push for reverse-grid sprint races in Formula 1 in the wake of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

F1's managing director motorsports had called for such a race prior to the start of this season, believing that with second grands prix at venues such as the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, it presented the sport with an opportunity to experiment.

But with all 10 teams required to unanimously vote through the proposal, Brawn was ultimately defeated as Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff opted against, arguing for the meritocracy of F1 and the sanctity of the championship.

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Brawn feels that after what unfolded over the second half of the race at Monza in the wake of Lewis Hamilton's penalty and the mixed-up grid at the restart now provides him with the ammunition required to again argue for the introduction of a reverse-grid race.

"Monza was a candidate for a reverse-grid sprint race when we were considering testing the format this year," said Brawn in his regular post-race column. "Unfortunately, we could not move forward with it.

"But the concept is still something we and the FIA want to work through in the coming months and discuss with the teams for next year.

"We believe that yesterday’s race showed the excitement a mixed-up pack can deliver, and with next year’s cars remaining the same as this year, our fans could be treated to the similar drama we saw this weekend at Monza."

Brawn feels such an event would stretch even the likes of all-conquering Mercedes.

"Of course, with a reverse-grid sprint race, teams will set their cars up differently," added Brawn.

"Right now, Mercedes set their cars up to achieve the fastest lap and then to control the race from the front. If they know they have to overtake, they will have to change that approach.

"We will continue to evaluate new formats with the aim of improving the show but always maintaining the DNA of Formula 1."

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