Monza's Famous Parabolica Ruined By New Tarmac Runoff Area

The challenge of yet another classic corner on the F1 calendar, Parabolica at the Monza circuit in Italy, has been taken away with the addition of tarmac runoff

Jack Leslie

18 May 2015

#F1 what's wrong with you?! No more gravel traps even in #Parabolica? Ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/RKVGhaJy9I
— Anna Stucka #52 (@unpocoloca) August 7, 2014

The modernisation of F1 circuits has taken another victim: the iconic Monza circuit, home of the Italian Grand Prix. The famous final corner, Parabolica, was previously a tricky turn that featured an unforgiving gravel trap to punish any driver who got it wrong.

However, like other well-known corners such as Eau Rouge and Pouhon at Spa-Francorchamps, and the Senna S chicane at Interlagos, the ‘kitty-litter’ has now been replaced by a tarmac run-off area. Drivers will be able to run wide as much as they like and lose barely any time at all.

Here's how Parabolica used to look. Image source: Mercedes AMG Petronas

The change, which has been pictured for the first time today, could be in anticipation for World Superbikes’ return to the track for 2015. This year’s Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix takes place on the 5-7 September and is the final European race of the season.