Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat laments that F1 drivers now “get forgiven” at Monza following recent changes made to the Italian Grand Prix venue, but claims this is still his “favourite track”.
After a trying start to his 2015 campaign, the Russian has managed to turn things around and will travel to the outskirts of Milan with a five-point lead over his highly-rated team-mate Daniel Ricciardo. While Kvyat still thoroughly enjoys racing at Monza, the 21-year-old admits the large asphalt run-off area lain on the outside of the famous Parabolica curve has somehow diminished its challenge.
“Monza is my favourite track,” he said. “Every corner just gives you the feeling that you are doing something special. Lesmo I and II, Ascari… every corner. Well, they unfortunately changed Parabolica a little bit. The changes there do make a difference. It isn’t quite the same experience anymore.
“You still have to push a lot and it still requires a lot of technique, but the problem is that even if you make a mistake you get forgiven. It’s not the same. But overall the track is still amazing. An important circuit for me in the past and I love it.”
Having lived for some time in Italy after he left Russia, Kvyat also keeps fond memories of the ultra-fast circuit from his meteoritic rise through the different junior categories.
“I won [at Monza] a few times, in Renault 2.0 [Alps in 2012] and in GP3 [2013]. In Renault I was on pole and won both races and in GP3 I was on pole, won the feature race and finished second in the sprint race. It’s a pretty cool feeling winning there.”
Click here for a lighter look at the Belgian Grand Prix, courtesy of F1i special contributor Eric Silbermann.
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