Drivers slam 'speed bumps' at Monza

Formula 1 drivers have hit out at new measures aimed at stopping them straightlining Monza's numerous - and notorious - chicanes in this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, according to AUTOSPORT magazine

Sep 12, 2002, 9:08 AM

In recent years, drivers have often used the flat run-off area adjacent to the apex of the first and second chicanes and continued without penalty - unless they made up a position in the process. The speed bumps were in place during last week's four-day test at Monza, and came in for heavy criticism.

"They are pretty silly," said Williams-BMW star Juan Pablo Montoya. "I haven't been over any of them, but if you are sliding and hit one, it's going to put you into the guardrail."

Gaps have been placed between the speed bumps to allow drivers who have outbraked themselves to weave between them.

But McLaren's David Coulthard said: "They seem to be too close together. I have always believed that if you make a mistake, the penalty should be a loss of time and not damage to the car. I hope the organisers revise the bumps."

For the full story, read this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, on sale today (Thursday) priced £2.80.