Monza: The Parabolica runoff paved
A few weeks before the Italian Grand Prix of F1, the officials of the Monza circuit have decided to replace the gravel trap outside the Parabolica with asphalt, which is not unanimously supported by the drivers.
The last corner of the Monza circuit, the Parabolica is one of the most famous and mythical corners on the calendar – the track hosting the Italian F1 Grand Prix since 1950 – except for 1980 when the race was held in Imola. The Parabolica made its appearance in 1955 and has captivated drivers.
The outside of the Parabolica consisted of a thin strip of grass and then gravel, where drivers would end up if they made a mistake. But that is now a thing of the past as images emerged yesterday showing that asphalt has replaced the gravel for this year’s race – which will take place on the weekend of September 5-7.
This corner has been the scene of several great overtakes in the past or even accidents, but it provided thrills for Formula 1 drivers and other categories racing on the Italian circuit. This change has not been mentioned by current F1 drivers, but some have given their opinion, particularly former actors of the Formula One Circus, starting with Karun Chandhok – former HRT and Team Lotus driver in F1, who shared on Twitter: « So the Parabolica at Monza now has asphalt as an outside run-off – yet another great corner that is going to lose all its charm. »
So the Monza Parabolica now has Tarmac run off on the outside – another great corner that will lose it’s challenge pic.twitter.com/duFPirolZ8
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) 7 Août 2014
Jérôme d’Ambrosio, former Virgin Racing driver in 2011, also expressed his disappointment, stating that « the Parabolica will never be the same corner again. »
Parabolica will never be the same corner again. #monza pic.twitter.com/wUGVGIeOky
— Jerome D’Ambrosio (@thereal_JDA) 7 Août 2014
There’s not only the drivers who raced in F1 who have spoken out, David Fumanelli – BMW driver in GT3 this year – also expressed disappointment with the decision of the circuit officials: « Asphalt on the outside of the Parabolica. WHY?! How to ruin one of the last manly corners. That feeling of being on the edge. »
