Monza resurfacing set to offer dramatic impact on Italian GP

F1 is set to face searing temperatures throughout this weekend's Italian Grand Prix which is poised to have a dramatic impact on the events at Monza.

As part of its modernisation plans to ensure it retains its place on the F1 calendar, the circuit has undergone a complete resurfacing which was only recently completed.

In early August, a team of Pirelli engineers inspected the new surface, sharing the data with the FIA and the teams.

"As is usually the case with newly laid asphalt, the surface is smoother than its predecessor and darker in colour.," remarked Pirelli in its pre-race preview.

"This latter factor will have an impact on track temperature, which if the sun is shining could see it get hotter than in the past, even reaching significant highs of over 50 °C."

Air temperatures this weekend are due to soar to 33 and 34 degrees Celsius, which will undoubtedly push track temperatures over the 50-degree barrier, and in turn, affect Pirelli's range of rubber, which for this event are the same as last year, with the C3 as hard, C4 as medium and C5 as soft.

The main problem the F1 teams face will be overheating of the tyres, which is likely to affect Mercedes more than most as it has struggled in this area so far this season.

The new surface will assist in one area, with Pirelli adding: "In theory, [it] should offer more grip, which will impact tyre performance and their operating temperature range.

"It is highly likely that track evolution will be very high over the course of the weekend, as the various categories racing at this event rack up the laps."

New trophies unveiled

The fresh track surface will not be the only new aspect on show at Monza as Pirelli, as title sponsor of the Italian Grand Prix, will also be handing over new trophies to the top three drivers at the end of the race, and to the winning constructor.

Since 2021, when the Italian tyre manufacturer took up its title sponsorship agreement of the race, it has collaborated with Pirelli HangarBicocca, a non-profit foundation devoted to the promotion and production of contemporary art.

This year, the work of creating the trophies was entrusted to Andrea Sala, a highly respected artist in the contemporary art world.

Entitled VROOOM, the trophies, according to Pirelli, "represent, in abstract form, the long history of Pirelli tyres, combined with impressions of speed and acceleration".