Brawn not expecting passing in Monaco

Unlike the other races so far in 2011, Monaco will not be an overtaking-fest, according to Ross Brawn.

The combination of the new ‘DRS’ rear wing system and Pirelli’s high-degrading tyres has caused an abundance of passing this year, even in Barcelona last weekend, the scene of usually processional grands prix.

But Monte Carlo will be a track too far for F1’s new formula, Brawn suspects.

“The finish line straight is too short,” said the Briton, alluding to the 380 metre ‘DRS’ zone that can be used by chasing drivers in the race.

“With our strategic planning we do not think overtaking will be much easier than before,” Brawn told Auto Motor und Sport.

“Even a driver two or three seconds faster struggles to overtake,” he said.

Brawn therefore thinks qualifying will, as ever, be arguably the most important day in Monaco this weekend.

“Track position is probably the decisive factor,” he agreed.  “So grid position will be more important than at any other track.”

There are, however, some unknown factors — including the possibly extreme degradation of Pirelli’s so far unraced super-soft tyres, and the influence on a barrier-lined street circuit of the rubber ‘marbles’ seen so far in 2011.

“I’m not worried at all,” insisted the tyre supplier’s Paul Hembery to Auto Motor und Sport.

© RIF | GMM