Schumacher dismisses Mercedes’ chances of making it big at 2011 Italian Grand Prix – Formula 1 news
Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher is not very hopeful of winning a place at the podium for his team at the upcoming 2011 Italian Grand Prix.
A close look at the design of the famous Monza circuit would reveal that it has very long straights and hence a good straight-line speed can be achieved by the Mercedes cars with even less downforce. The cars can drive at full throttle for almost 80 percent
of the lap.
Despite that, the seven-time world champion said, “At Monza straight-line speed is good for us. Circuits with less corners seem to be beneficial. But honestly I don't think it's really enough to change our general position because the gap is too big.”
Many people think that Mercedes have an advantage over others due to their better power and straight-line speed at the Monza circuit. Schumacher, however, clearly dismisses this point of view and believes that even with that advantage, he is not too sure
if the Mercedes team will be able to claim a place at the podium.
The Mercedes team currently stands at seventh or eighth position in every race and it seems that Schumacher is quite content with his team’s current ranking.
“We are the fourth-strongest team and that's what is the optimum,” Schumacher said, who has won five times for Ferrari at the Monza racetrack.
Recalling his earlier victories at the Monza racetrack he added, “Certainly winning Monza is one of the sensational moments, and particularly being up on the podium - I think it's a unique atmosphere on the podium, there's nowhere else quite so intense.”
Is Michael Schumacher right in believing that Mercedes do not have what it takes to battle it out with the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren? Let’s see how it goes for them in this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
The action from Monza begins Friday, September 9, 2011 with the two Free Practice sessions.
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