Italian GP: F1 drivers defend Parabolica run-off changes

The FIA recently defended the decision to lay a large asphalt run-off area over part of the gravel trap on the outside of the fast right-hander on safety grounds.

The changes provoked some outcry on social media ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, but Williams driver Massa said the cornering challenge would be unchanged.

"I see many people complaining but I didn't see anything that will change our line or the way we are doing the corner," Massa said.

"They changed the outside of the corner, which is safer, but I don't see any difference on the line.

"If people try to use more and go outside, they need to be penalised so it's clear.

"I would have been not happy if they really changed the Parabolica, but they are not changing the Parabolica, they are changing the outside, so I don't understand why people are complaining about that."

McLaren racer Button agreed the challenge of the corner would still remain while safety is improved for the drivers.

"I understand the reason behind it, the safety and the asphalt in run-off areas; straight ahead, in braking, it's a great idea," Button said.

"The exit, I haven't had a look at yet but I've heard there's still Astroturf.

"You can't put wheels on Astroturf when you are laterally loaded at that speed anyway, because it will spit you into the inside barriers.

"I'm sure it's no easier than it was before."

CHANGE OF APPROACH

But Force India's Sergio Perez reckons the change should not have been made and that drivers will carry more confidence into the corner knowing they won't be punished so harshly for any mistakes.

"I'm not really happy because the integrity of the driver was never a risk in Parabolica," Perez said.

"If you did a driver error there you were stuck in the gravel, which I think is a nice thing.

"Parabolica was iconic to Monza and it's a shame. I don't see the reason why we changed.

"The only thing it changes is the confidence you arrive there with.

"If you did a mistake in the past you knew the gravel was waiting for you; now you have more space and can afford to do a mistake without losing too much."

Massa's Williams team-mate Valtteri Bottas agreed the challenge of the corner would be altered slightly by the new run-off.

"I really think that last year was a bit more challenging," he said.

"In the exit the wheels were just on the white line and you knew if there were a few centimetres off you would be off [the track].

"Now it doesn't matter, you only need to keep two wheels on the track and that is it."

MORE DRIVERS' VIEWS

Kimi Raikkonen

"It doesn't change a lot unless we start getting complaints about four wheels over the white line and gaining [an advantage]. It's the way every circuit is going - putting Tarmac around."

Kevin Magnussen

"I don't think we are making the track more unsafe by having gravel, but it is still an awesome circuit for sure and I will enjoy driving here."

Lewis Hamilton

"The FIA are very conscious of safety and that is nothing to shy away from, but I am old-school so I would like the old circuits back like in the '90s with no Tarmac."

Nico Rosberg

"It was one of the more risky corners we had on the calendar. It definitely makes things a lot safer so that is the right direction to go in."