Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi says emulating his 2019 performance at Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix will be his ambition for this weekend’s event.
Monza marks the first of three outings in Italy for Formula 1 this season, with Mugello following next weekend, and Imola returning to the calendar in November.
Giovinazzi is Formula 1’s sole Italian driver on the grid and on home soil last year classified in ninth position.
He has scored points only once this year – taking ninth in Austria – amid Alfa Romeo’s struggles but has targeted a repeat of his 2019 display.
“My home race always means something special to me – especially this year,” said Giovinazzi.
“Italy has suffered a lot in 2020 and I’m determined to do my best to give my people a smile.
“Without fans in the grandstands, it won’t be the same but I know there are so many supporters watching from home and I’ll race for them all.
“Last year I drove one of my best races here, finishing in the points, and it would be great to have a similar result.
“We saw last weekend that we seem to have made a step forward as a team, so hopefully we can fight in the midfield this weekend as well.”
Giovinazzi crashed out of the race at Spa-Francorchamps but team-mate Kimi Raikkonen finished 12th, finishing ‘first’ of the backmarker group, and in front of both Ferrari drivers.
“The target doesn’t really change: we need to make it to Q2 to get the best grid position possible and then try to make the most out of the race,” said Raikkonen.
“We have seen in recent events that small swings in performance can mean a big change in positions, especially in the midfield, so we need to keep doing our job as best as we can.”
