Mugello Track Record: The Ferrari-owned circuit, has a track record that goes back to 2004, broken by a former Ferrari driver.
The race at Mugello will be known as the Tuscan Grand Prix. It is the third Italian circuit in the F1 2020 calendar, after Monza and Imola. This after Imola, Portimao and Nurburgring were added to the F1 schedule for this season.
What is the lap record at Ferrari’s home track?
The current lap record for the 5.25-kilometre track is held by Rubens Barrichello. The Brazilian driver is considered to be one of the greatest F1 drivers not to have won a world title. The record stands at 1:18.704 minute, set during testing in 2004. He was seated on the Ferrari F2004, which had a V10 engine.
Also read: Mugello circuit F1: All you need to know about F1’s new 2020 circuit
The last time a non-Ferrari F1 team went there, it fell short of the record by quite a margin. In 2012, Romain Grosjean set a time of 1:21.035 minutes in his Lotus-Renault. Ferrari had tested last month, but the laps weren’t recorded in the track’s official books.
Ferrari Boss confident the Mugello track record will be broken this season
Mattia Binotto is confident, however, of the recording being broken this season. He spoke of the times set in the testing last month, and how it was very similar to the record.
“We did a very similar lap time with full tank, not pushing, et cetera. So I’m pretty curious to see when we set the pole, I’m pretty sure it will be a record.”
He also added both Sebastian Vettel and Charles loved the track, and are gearing up to race in their home track. Binotto spoke highly of the track, which is going to promise high-speed racing in September.
“The two drivers were very happy because of the circuit, because of the type of circuit, so they enjoyed their day in Mugello. It’s a very quick track, high-speed corners, it will be demanding for tyres on the cars, on the drivers. I think there is not a single slow corner. They are all fast corners.”
The Ferrari F1 Boss is clearly excited at the prospect of hosting the F1 teams at Mugello. The race is special for Ferrari, as it will mark their 1000th race in Formula One. Interestingly, Mugello is well-known for its Moto GP races.
“So it’s quite interesting to see all the Formula 1 cars of today of going through there. We are used to seeing Moto GP there but I think that Formula 1 is at least 20 seconds faster than a Moto GP in such a circuit. I think it will be amazing.”
