This weekend Formula 1 will be racing under the Tuscan sun as as it holds its first ever Grand Prix at the Mugello circuit. Owned by Ferrari, this 15 turn circuit was completed in 1974 and has only hosted Formula 1 for an in-season test in 2012. With a fast-flowing mix of low and high speed corners, highlights of a lap include high-speed corners like Arrabbiata 1 and Arrabbiata 2, the latter being both uphill and unsighted. This weekend also marks Ferrari’s 1,000th Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The entire Red Bull organization is riding a high from the unlikely victory of Pierre Gasly at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. Underneath the good vibes, Red Bull will be a bit shaken by their poor performance at Monza and looking to rebound here in Tuscany. Expect one car to finish on the podium, likely 3rd. On the AlphaTauri side it would be too much to ask for a repeat of last weekend so we should expect a return-to-form where one car is solidly in the points.
Elsewhere on the grid, despite last week’s anomalies Mercedes are still favorites for a 1-2 finish as their resources and ability to execute will be key at a new circuit. Best-of-the-rest will likely go to McLaren as their car and rebuilt organization continue to show signs of strength. Showing similar improvements, look for Renault to be in a tight battle with the papaya orange cars. Next, Racing Point should find themselves in a close battle with Ferrari who are celebrating their 1,000th Formula 1 Grand Prix as they look to avenge their own poor performance at Monza while on Italian ground. Outside of the points we can expect Haas and Alfa Romeo to be engaged in a close race with Williams just behind them.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1 – Friday, September 11 – 4.55AM –
ESPN
Practice 2 – Friday, September 11 – 8.55AM – ESPN2
Practice 3 – Saturday, September 12 – 5.55AM –
ESPN
Qualifying – Saturday, September 12 – 8.55AM – ESPN2
Grand Prix Sunday – Sunday, September 13 – 7.30AM – ESPN2
Race – Sunday, September 13 – 9.05AM – ESPN2
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 5.245km (3.259 miles)
Race laps: 59
Race distance: 309.455km (192.286 miles)
Pole position: Left-hand side of the track
Lap record: 1’15.704 by Rubens Barrichello, 2004 (Test)
Fastest lap*:
TBD
Maximum speed: 327kph (203mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Start/finish straight
Distance from grid to turn one: Unknown
Car performance
Full throttle: 46.9%
Longest flat-out section: 1141m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap:
TBD
Fuel use per lap:
TBD
Time penalty per lap of fuel:
TBD
Strategy
2020 tyres: Hard (C1), Medium C2), Soft (C3)
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 164
2. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 117
3. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 110
4. Lance Stroll, Racing Point, 57
5. Lando Norris, McLaren, 57
6. Alex Albon, Red Bull, 48
7. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 45
8. Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri, 43
9. Carlos Sainz, McLaren, 41
10. Daniel Ricciardo, Renault, 41
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 281
2. Red Bull, 158
3. McLaren, 98
4. Racing Point, 82
5. Renault, 71
6. Ferrari, 61
7. AlphaTauri, 47
8. Alfa Romeo, 2
9. Haas, 1
10. Williams, 0
Reply