MUGELLO AFP: Formula One drivers are expecting this weekend’s first Tuscan Grand Prix to be an exhaustive test of their physical condition - and probably the toughest challenge of the season.
The spectacular Mugello circuit is normally used for MotoGP and some junior categories of single-seat car racing - but has never before hosted an F1 Grand Prix. Mugello, close to Florence, is set in flowing semi-mountainous parkland and is owned by Ferrari, who this weekend celebrate their 1000th Grand Prix entry.
“It’s going to be an absolute killer physically,” said George Russell of Williams. “I’ve raced here once before in 2014 when I was competing in Formula Renault and it’s an incredible circuit - so fast and so flowing. Turns six, seven, eight and nine will be absolutely flat out, probably, or flat out in seventh gear anyway I think.
“I think Arrabiata will be quite easy flat, but it’s the corners before - Casanova and Savelli. Those are the difficult ones.”
He added that the drivers’ had organised a sweepstake to see who is going to do it - go flat out through those corners - first. “We’ll let you know on Sunday,” he quipped.