The great return of McLaren to Monza?

If Lando Norris qualified 1.423 seconds behind poleman Charles Leclerc, completing his best lap in Q3 in 1 minute and 21.584 seconds, he will start from the third position this afternoon, benefiting from the [link] Grand Prix of Italy – Qualifications: Pole and best time for Leclerc[/link].

“> Penalties incurred by many drivers. This is also the case for Daniel Ricciardo, who will start just behind his teammate in fourth place (+0.341 seconds behind Norris). The last time both McLarens made it into the top 10 in qualifying was at the Hungarian Grand Prix.”

Good performances that naturally delighted the British driver, after a rather disappointing season for the papaya team. I’m very happy today, it’s good teamwork. I was very pleased with my lap in the end. I practically nailed everything. It’s not easy… It’s a short track, there aren’t too many corners, but the margins are very tight. Especially in Q2, I think it was extremely close between everyone.

Score points

Lando Norris also highlighted the good pace compared to George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Finding the small margins and putting them together is very difficult here, but I feel like I’ve done it and given myself a very good opportunity. I was six hundredths behind both Mercedes. Yes, P3 on the grid tomorrow is a good chance to score points, he told the journalists’ microphones.

But everything is not yet decided, tempered the one who wears the number 4. McLaren must be able to maintain this good pace on Saturday during the race, because that’s where the points are counted. Especially with a certain Fernando Alonso who made a strong impact at the wheel of his Alpine, and will start sixth this afternoon, behind Pierre Gasly.

« We have definitely made some improvements compared to yesterday. Fernando’s race pace was really strong. Like in Zandvoort and in many races this year, we are strong on Saturdays, we can perform well and do a good job, but on Sundays, we have not always been able to perform and maintain our Saturday pace. »

Lack of grip for Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo was also relieved with the results in qualifying, despite difficulties in maintaining the car in certain sectors of the track. « I think Q3 was a bit tricky in the second sector, even the first actually. The car didn’t grip completely and to be honest, my lap in Q2 was pushing the limit to try and get the most out of it. Obviously, it’s hard for me to truly feel comfortable with the limits of this car. »

In these difficult conditions, the Australian driver is even more satisfied to return to the front of the grid: “I can see the poleman, it’s a pleasant feeling, it’s been a while since I’ve been on this side of the grid and it’s nice to do it again here, of course, where there were good memories last year. I am filled with optimism,” said the winner of the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. It remains to be seen if McLaren will be able to repeat their double success from last year…

Starting from the second row. Tomorrow we race. 👊#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/6V3BAG6zg2

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 10, 2022