Fernando Alonso believes the new tarmac laid down on Monza's main straight isn't up to F1 standards and was partly the cause for yesterday's delayed qualifying session.

Heavy rain on Saturday afternoon wreaked havoc on the one-hour session which was broken up into two parts, the first of which lasting just a few minutes and seeing Romain Grosjean aquaplane off the drenched track on the run down to the first chicane.

Monza resurfaced the main straight ahead of this weekend's event but the new asphalt doesn't cur the mustard according to Fernando Alonso.

"I think the main straight was just too wet," Alonso said.

"The new asphalt was not F1 standards. We can't have that difference between one asphalt and the other."

Pirelli representatives also noted the substantial difference in abrasion between the new laid down smooth stretch of asphalt and the rest of the track which better coped with yesterday's wet conditions.

The two and a half hour delay left spectators stranded in the grandstands while they awaited running to resume without the certainty that it actually would.

"It's a shame. It's happened a couple of times already and it's bad for the spectators, it's bad for television and hopefully the FOM or the FIA will be creative and find a new way to deal with this kind of situation," Alonso added.

"It's the usual problem. It's not the first time it happens. From the outside, the spectator wants to see the cars running, and the people on track want to see the cars running, so they need to find a solution.

"The track was fine, it was in a condition to run, only the straight was too wet.

"It's another strange episode and let's see if the FIA or FOM can find a solution to offer a bit of a show while the track conditions improve."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

 

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Team Talk - Sunday in Miami

Alpine F1 Pierre Gasly "We had a great race today even if we missed out…

36 mins ago

2024 Miami Grand Prix Index

Welcome to our index page of the 2024 Miami Grand Prix. From here you will…

6 hours ago

Sainz penalized following clash with Piastri - demoted to P5

Carlos Sainz was handed a 5-second penalty and one penalty point on his license for…

7 hours ago

Miami GP: Sunday's action in pictures

Upset in Miami! While everyone was expected another Max-fest, McLaren’s Lando Norris stunned the crowds…

8 hours ago

Stella dedicates McLaren win in Miami to Gil de Ferran

McLaren team principal joined in the celebrations for Lando Norris' victory in Sunday's Miami Grand…

8 hours ago

Norris celebrates hugely popular maiden win: "About time!"

If there was a poll commissioned to find the most widely liked driver on the…

9 hours ago