Enter the Temple of SpeedEnter the Temple of Speed

The 2024 Formula One season continues at the ultra-fast Autodromo Nazionale Monza this weekend. Aston Martin Aramco Driver Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa recalls his memories of driving the circuit and reveals what's required from driver and car at the Italian Grand Prix.

What's the key to a quick lap around one of the fastest circuits on the calendar?

"Driving at Monza is about braking as late as you can on corner entry, picking up the throttle early on corner exit, and keeping the car stable throughout.

"As a driver you need to position the car perfectly. If you brake too late on entry your position is compromised through the corner and then you're slow on exit, impacting your speed down the following straight.

"You need to make sure the car is straight when braking and also on the exit of the corners so you can apply the throttle as early as possible.

"This year, the drivers also have to contend with a reprofiled first chicane, which is wider to help cars potentially go through side by side, and also a re-laid track surface, which should provide more grip, so they'll need to factor that into their approach too."

What's the optimal car setup at Monza?

"You need to find a balance between high top speed and high stability under braking.

"The more downforce you take off the car, the more unstable it becomes under braking. The moment you start suffering under braking, you punish the tyres, so it's about taking off as much downforce as possible before you get to that point.

"At Monza, you'll always be better off with a low downforce configuration because you want to reduce drag as much as possible down the long straights.

"You also need to be able to ride the kerbs well. You need to take as much of the kerbs as you can to give you the best exit onto the long straights; if you miss a kerb it will compromise your exit and you'll be slow.

"Finally, you need to have good traction so you can pick up the throttle early out of the corners.

"Monza is so iconic and because of the unique setup and driving style required – it's different to any other circuit on the calendar.

"You have the lowest downforce of the season, and you have to drive differently to how you would anywhere else. There's no challenge like Monza on the calendar."

Which part of the circuit did you enjoy driving most during your F1 career?

"The section I particularly loved was going through Parabolica at the end of the lap.

"You arrive at very high speed, brake just before the 50-metre board and throw the car in.

"It's so quick, it's fantastic to drive, and the car just sticks despite every sense in your body telling you you're going too fast. It's a huge demonstration of what a Formula One car can do.

"The speed you pull through that corner is incredible and then you're flat out down the start-finish straight."

You touched on how iconic and unique a lap of Monza is. Take us inside the cockpit for a lap around the circuit dubbed the 'Temple of Speed'...

"You don't really notice the high speeds you're travelling at along the start-finish straight, because there aren't many reference points.

"It's when you get into the sections that are tree-lined that you really notice how fast you're going, such as through Curva Grande or down the straight leading to Ascari. You really appreciate how quick you are going through those sections because there are a lot of reference points; you're flashing through Monza's Royal Park with the trees either side of you. It's a fantastic feeling.

"The braking force is also incredible at Monza; you pull 5Gs at the end of the main straight into the first chicane.

"You're travelling at over 350km/h and then you slam on the brakes with all the strength you can muster in your left leg and foot. The deceleration is breathtaking. If you're sweating, the drops can flick forwards and stick to your visor.

"You feel like a fighter pilot every lap around Monza. It's called the 'Temple of Speed' for a reason."

The Italian Grand Prix is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere. What makes it so special?

"The fans are so passionate; they really love Formula One and it's a way of life for many. Wherever you go, the grandstands are full of spectators and the atmosphere around the circuit throughout the weekend is fantastic; there's a love for F1 at every corner.

"Of course, we know a lot of those attending this weekend will be supporting a certain team in red, but we always see Aston Martin Racing Green around the track and hopefully we can put on a good show for our fans trackside and at home."