With those drivers who regularly appear in the Formula 1 paddock, only two Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN drivers – Kimi Raikkonen and Robert Kubica – have had the opportunity to drive an F1 car on the Imola circuit. What does a Pole say about this facility, who was third in training before the 2006 San Marino Grand Prix?
“I rode Imola in the Italian Formula Renault in 2002 and then tested here in F1. I would almost forget that I did two Friday practice sessions with Sauber here at the 2006 San Marino Grand Prix. A year later, I was already a basic driver, but I did not return to Imola.
I was also here 7 years ago for a short test. I was helping a friend with training so I did a few laps in the touring car. I haven’t been driving anything else lately, although this track hasn’t changed.
It is a historic track, unfortunately remembered as the site of Ayrton Senna’s accident. For those who grew up as drivers in Italy, and I came there in 1998 at the age of 13, it’s a special place, as is Monza. This is one of those places where you can feel the history and energy of motorsport. I look forward to visiting there.
The race weekend format is something new to F1 so I think it will be a big challenge where you will have to react quickly.
At this stage of the year, the teams know exactly what their cars will do and what is needed, so I don’t expect a lot of mix up. It will definitely be more difficult, as it usually is with new things, which are usually quite exciting. New track, new weekend format – it will be interesting.
Imola is one of those tracks whose individual sections, especially on modern F1 cars, are amazing. It’s an old school track with no great overtaking opportunities, or actually without any opportunities. I think the DRS zone will be crucial here and I think it can create several possibilities. Without big mistakes or a difference in speed, racing won’t be easy here.
On the other hand, it’s a great track to drive, especially with today’s F1 cars, and it’ll be a lot of fun. The current situation, when F1 has to open up to old tracks, gives us a chance to compare them to modern facilities. Imola is a good example that is sure to be a challenge, especially curb driving. The Variante Alta, which is at the other end of the track, is likely to be quite a painful sector for these big cars. Other parties, like Acque Minerali, where you go up the hill and turn to the left-hand fast, then go downhill, will be passed without subtraction, then braking hard. It should be very nice and very fast there.
The last harassment was there in 2006, but it’s gone now. The straight is much longer at 1.3 km, being the longest in F1. Braking to the first corner will not be large, and it is short, so you don’t have to slow down the car very much. Certainly, the difference in speed as a result of the DRS will be large and a lot will depend on it. This will be your only overtaking opportunity so you need to have a plan for it. When you race you don’t want to be slow on the straights on Imola because then people have DRS and they will pass you easily.
The question is, if someone secures the inside in the left corner before the interrupted braking zone, will the one with DRS have enough space to go around it on the outside. Top speeds will be something to bear in mind and surely cars with high speeds will have easier overtaking.
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