By Carlo Platella
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari confirmed themselves as the fastest in the final free practice session in Monte Carlo, despite traffic having affected their latest attacks on the time. In addition to the chronometer, the Monegasque stands out for his aggressiveness in setting up the Rascasse, with a unique trajectory and appreciable from the view offered by the press room.
Dip in trajectory
The Rascasse is one of the most iconic and challenging corners on the Monte Carlo track, as well as one of the tightest hairpin bends in the entire World Championship, where you arrive with exhausted tires after the first part of the lap. Then there is the complication of the pilots’ work a depression in the asphalt in the innermost part at the entrance, where the very rigid ground effect cars tend to break down every time a driver tries to pass over them.
The most traditional approach to Rascasse involves a compromise trajectory. Almost all drivers tend to widen a lot on entry, going around the dip to straighten the steering wheel first and anticipate getting back on the gas. In fact, from the view offered by the press room you can see how in all the fast laps the cars position themselves at a very similar distance from the guardrail, about 2/3 of the way outwards.
Leclerc against the current
The one who has chosen a different approach so far is Charles Leclerc. The Cavallino standard bearer does not seem to fear the depression at the entrance, narrowing the entrance and positioning his SF-24 approximately 2 meters inwards compared to its rivals. Comparing the shots collected during the respective fast laps, we can appreciate a difference in position equivalent to approximately one car’s width. In addition to covering less road, the Monegasque’s approach also allows him to brake with the steering wheel straight, thus delaying braking and then giving his Ferrari a strong rotation. A small-big difference in trajectory, which further testifies to the confidence of the number 16 in his car on the streets of the Principality.
#Monaco #Leclerc #impressive #Rascasse #narrower