Tsunoda wants to shine at Monza: 'Important for us after Imola cancelled'

This coming weekend, the Italian Grand Prix is on the programme. It will of course be held at Monza, also known as the 'Temple of Speed'. This is because the circuit has a lot of long straights. Yuki Tsunoda thinks this suits his team AlphaTauri's car well.

Monza home race for AlphaTauri

The AlphaTauri team is based in Italian Faenza, which is about a three-hour drive from the Monza circuit, and is therefore running a home race. "“I like Monza, because it's a really exciting track to drive. It’s very quick, and everyone runs the lowest downforce of the season, so braking for the chicanes, and especially hard into Turn 1, is tricky," Tsunoda began ahead of the weekend.

Monza must suit AlphaTauri car

AlphaTauri does not have a great car this year, as it did last year. The Italian team has scored just three points in 2023, placing them at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship. "Our car has worked quite well in the high-speed corners, so this track could suit our car. In Spa, just before the break, we ran low downforce, and the car balance seemed quite good, although it’s hard to say where we will be in terms of actual performance."

Actually, the race in Imola was seen as the "real" home race for AlphaTauri, as it is a lot closer than Monza. However, the race was cancelled due to severe weather, resulting in heavy flooding. "Apart from the technical aspects, it’s a very important event for the team, especially as Imola – the nearest home race for us – had to be cancelled earlier this year. I know that all the team members are excited about Monza, especially the Italian ones, so we’re definitely hoping for a good result there," the Japanese driver concluded.