Italian Grand Prix 2010: Mercedes expects good performance
The 2010 season started amidst great jubilation and charisma for Mercedes GP team as they were crowned with the Constructors’ Championship last year under the Brawn-Mercedes brand. It also materialized because its driver, Jenson Button snatched away the World Championship with a lot of ease.
The team entered the 2010 season with a lot of fanfare, firstly because of their achievements last season while more significantly, for the reason that it signed legendry driver Michael Schumacher to drive for them. Schumacher’s return to the tracks after a break of three years was nothing less than a dramatic reunion of the sport with its hero, which was immensely hyped by the media.
However, nothing turned out for the Mercedes GP team as anticipated. The team was not able to deliver the fastest car of the season while the iconic driver failed to deliver the magical performances that were his landmarks since always.
As the Formula One caravan moves to the next race at the Italian Grand Prix scheduled to be held at one of the most exciting and historical tracks of Formula One calendar, the team spoke to the Formula One official website, announcing their expectations as well as their apprehensions from the forthcoming race at Monza.
Michael Schumacher, who is to drive on the track after a gap of three years opined, "The next race in Monza might well be entertaining in a very different way as I expect it to be a real challenge for our team. We have seen already several times this year that circuits with characteristics like those of Monza do not really play in our hands.”
However, he was quick to add that the team is still working hard to achieve the maximum out of all that they have got. Schumacher added that he is especially very excited to return to Monza as he has been supported and loved by Italian people over the years.
Mercedes driver, Nico Rosberg, who started from 18th place on the grid last year and finished on the 16th, seems very determined and positive as he moves to Italy.
"Monza is absolutely one of the top race tracks in the world. Not only for the speed and the challenge but also for the passion and enthusiasm of the Italian fans who really love their racing,” exclaimed the young German.
Nico Rosberg was happy to add that the charisma and atmosphere that Monza offered have always made him love the venue. Rosberg added that last weekend’s race at Spa was a good comeback for the team as both its racers were able to bag some points, despite the tough weather conditions and a car that had some problems as well. Rosberg was positive as he added that the team came up with a few improvements in the car as well, which makes him feel more confident as they move to the next race.
Moreover, team principal Ross Brawn said, "The double points finish in Spa was a boost for the team and it would be rewarding to repeat the achievement at the final European race of the season in Monza next weekend.”
He shared his excitement for the track, explaining that Monza is simply a superb racing arena with its grandstands always jam packed with fans creating an unbelievable atmosphere on race day.
Brawn concluded that the car had been upgraded before they moved for the next round of the season with more efficient aerodynamics to suit the low downforce track to minimize drag as much as possible. Moreover, the team has also improved the brakes and traction in addition to further empower the engine to run at high speeds on the long straights at Monza.
Overall, the team seemed optimistic though they already know that they would not be able to give tough competition to the toppers of the season.
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