Audi remains on four consecutive points finishes, but Allan McNish is cautious ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. The competition director believes that the very particular characteristics of Monza could be less favorable to the German single-seater.
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The start of the season had been difficult for Audi, which had scored points in only one of the first eight weekends. Since then, the situation has significantly improved with four consecutive Grands Prix in the top 10.
The team secured three eighth places at Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and Zandvoort, as well as a ninth position at the Hungaroring. This consistency notably allowed them to surpass Williams in the constructors’ championship.
But as Monza approaches, McNish prefers to temper expectations: “We showed good pace at Zandvoort and left with points for the fourth consecutive race, which is always encouraging, even though there is still room for improvement.”
The Monza track could be less suited to Audi
The Temple of Speed presents a radically different challenge from that encountered at Zandvoort. Its long straights and heavy braking zones require specific aerodynamic configurations with very low downforce.
McNish acknowledges that these characteristics could put Audi in more difficulty: “Monza is always a special place to race, with a lot of history on and around the circuit. This weekend will represent a different challenge, on a track that could make it difficult to continue our recent points streak.”
The goal will therefore be primarily to maximize the available potential: “We will remain focused on our execution and on the need to get the most out of what we have in order to start this last series of two European races on a positive note.”
Hülkenberg wants to confirm his progress
Nico Hülkenberg is also going through his best period of the season. The German had to wait until the Hungarian Grand Prix to score his first points before immediately repeating the feat in the Netherlands.
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“Sunday at Zandvoort once again ended satisfactorily for us, explains Hülkenberg. We left with another points finish and, just as importantly, we confirmed that we are moving in the right direction as a team. The goal now is to maintain this level of execution in the upcoming races.”
The German is also pleased to return to a circuit he considers one of the great classics of the calendar: “It’s always nice to come back to Monza. It’s one of the true classics, with a lot of passionate Tifosi around the circuit, and a place where driving a Formula 1 car is really enjoyable.”
But with gaps still very tight in the midfield, the slightest mistake could cost several positions: “The pack remains incredibly close, so our priority will be to have another clean weekend and see where that takes us.”
A special meeting for Bortoleto
Gabriel Bortoleto has a special connection with Italy. The Brazilian lived there for much of his junior formula career and has fond memories of Monza.
“Monza is always a weekend that has a special meaning for me, he says. I lived in Italy throughout my junior career and also achieved good results there in recent years.”
“Overall, racing at the Temple of Speed is always something to look forward to, he emphasizes. We have been competitive in recent races, so I hope we can continue that momentum this weekend and achieve a good result.”
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