As Formula 3 heads into its penultimate round at the Italian Grand Prix, Mattia Colnaghi is preparing to continue his strong form following the prolonged summer break.
The Argentine has endured an interesting rookie campaign in the series. Colnaghi started the season, securing just one point across five rounds, marking a difficult introduction to F3. However, Spa proved a critical turning point for him and MP Motorsport. After qualifying sixth, the rookie went on to secure four consecutive fourth-place finishes ahead of the Summer break in August.
Despite heading to the familiarity of Monza, drivers will have to navigate the circuit differently than in previous competitions. Ahead of the weekend, it was confirmed that qualifying would be split into two groups, similarly to Monaco. When asked about his thoughts surrounding this change, the 18-year-old emphasised his trust in the decision.
“I think it makes complete sense,” Colnaghi told media, including Motorsport Week.
“Seeing the slipstream game we do play here and in other circuits such as Spa, also seeing the messy qualifying session that was at Spa, I think it’s good to implement in two groups.
Obviously, the tow is very important at a circuit like Monza, so I do think that we will still be looking for it. Hopefully, being less cars on the track at once, it will help.”
Alongside this, drivers will have an extra overtaking opportunity, with a second DRS Zone added for the junior categories. Drivers will now be able to use the boost on Turns 10 and 11, setting the stage for intense racing.
“Having the extra DRS zone is going to be useful to get a bit closer to the car in front in the races before the last corner,” he said.
“And that means that you can be closer for the main straight as well. Which obviously is going to open up a potential passing opportunity in T1. Maybe, without this extra DRS zone, it wouldn’t be possible.
So I think it’s definitely useful in that sense.
It’s going to promote racing even more than this circuit already does, which is going to be exciting for both the drivers and the fans.”
Back racing at an iconic venue
Heading to the ‘Temple of Speed’ marks the end of the series’ prolonged Summer break. Drivers, who, despite partaking in in-season testing, haven’t raced these cars in race conditions since late July. Leaving many itching to get back on track for the final stint of the season.
However, Colnaghi suggests that the month away from racing was important, as drivers had an intense European calendar before their break.
“It’s good to have a break after so many double-headers, basically back-to-back, excluding, obviously, the in-week breaks we have.”
“At the same time, I think it’s good to be back racing.”‘
Crucially, the Argentinian will not be making any changes to his weekend approach rather, staying in the same mindset he has used all season.
“To be honest, I will approach it like any other weekend,” Colnaghi revealed.
Despite keeping the same approach, Colnaghi arrives in Monza with an advantage over his rivals. Last season, the rookie claimed victory in EuroCup3, which taught him pivotal lessons ahead of his first F3 race in Monza.
When reflecing on his win in the series, the 18-year-old revealed he would “carry” a loot of his lessons into this weekend.
“It’s a track where, obviously, racing is a bit promoted by the long straights that we have here,” Colnaghi explained.
“It depends really on what the situation is and what position you’re in.
“Last year in EuroCup it was quite important to be smart in Race 1 when everyone was a bit more erratic, let’s say, a bit more aggressive.
“Whereas I think in Race 2 we changed the driving style a bit, and everyone was a bit calmer.
“Definitely a lot of important lessons from last year that I can carry into the weekend.”
Colnaghi shares his thoughts on Norris’ new team joining the F3 grid next season
Yesterday, Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris revealed his new single-seater junior racing team, LN4 Fusion. The Briton confirmed the team would be a part of the 2027 F3 grid, adding to an already ultra-competitive competition.
When asked about the significance of F1 drivers investing in Feeder Series talent, Colnaghi praised Norris’ support for the young drivers. Highlighting the importance of ongoing F1 support for drivers in junior categories.
“It’s always good to see a new team joining the grid,” Colnaghi explained
“It’s also good to see Lando putting in the support for junior series drivers. Considering that he was once in the position we are in today.
“It’s nice to see that he’s also trying to give back a bit and help some drivers on the junior ladder. All the best to him for his new team and the drivers who will be racing for him.”
Heading into the weekend, the Argentine sits 14th in the standings. But with only 20 points separating himself and sixth in the final championship standings, a positive Monza result could end his season on a high.
Discussion about this post