Arguably one of the most-visited circuits in sim racing has carried out construction work this summer. The Monza renovations could change a few key areas - which sim will be the first to reflect this?
Some car and track combinations could be considered 'default' in sim racing in 2024. GT3 usually ticks the car box in that regard, and the circuit to complete the cliché is either Spa-Francorchamps or Monza in any sim that feature both the class of car and the tracks. They are frequently found as public lobbies - the Monza Turn 1 memes have to come from somewhere, after all.
Monza's track layout for cars has not changed since 2000 when the 'Temple of Speed' replaced the infamous double chicane Variante Rettifilo with the tight right-left combination of Prima Variante, which literally translates to 'first turn'. Other than an alternate route for motorcycles at Prima Variante added in 2010, the course has remained the same.
And the 2024 renovations have not touched the layout itself, either. Monza will still be the high-speed icon it always has been, consisting of three chicanes and four right-handers. But, much like it has happened over the years at Spa, the surroundings have changed with the latest work being completed ahead of the 2024 Formula One Italian Grand Prix from August 30 to September 1.
Previously, the kerbs were elevated, meaning that it was only possible to tackle them at the right angle. Most sim racers will probably have gotten it wrong on the final apex curb at the exit of the chicane, looping their car and possibly hitting the wall at considerable speed. From the photos that have been show, this should not be an issue anymore. Watching F1 cars fly through the renovated track in a few weeks should be extremely interesting, then.
Another change that could have a noticeable impact, and hopefully a positive one at that, is the reworked Prima Variante. While the trajectory itself should remain unchanged, the track has been widened at both apexes of the chicane, which should encourage racing side by side through the first combination of turns a bit more.
What has not been shown yet is the curb situation in the Lesmo corners. While using the inside curb in Lesmo 1 was not the usual thing to do, Lesmo 2's apex usually involved taking a healthy amount of the rumble strip. Should that have been flattened as well, it could make the exit out of the turn much faster as well - although it probably would still be a far cry from the original configuration of Lesmo 2 used until 1994. In the right circumstances, F1 cars could take that flat.
Well, with Assetto Corsa Evo on the way, we would assume that one of the most important tracks in developer Kunos Simulazioni's home country will be incorporated in its most up-to-date form once the title is available. Additionally, Project Motor Racing (formerly GTRevival) being another interesting simulator currently in development, it will likely aim to do the same for the tracks it will incorporate.
Note the raised curb on the exit of the Ascari chicane prior to the renovations.
And while priorities are currently different in the Reiza Studios camp regarding Automobilista 2, the sim did set a precedent for having a modernized layout - namely that of Spa-Francorchamps in its 2022 guise, which was added to the 2020 version already present in AMS2. Both tracks are "Premium Track" DLC, so maybe Monza is going to see the same treatment.
All this considered, we are also almost certain that the real answer is going to be Assetto Corsa, thanks to its vibrant modding community. There are street circuits available already that F1 does not intend to race until 2026, after all...
What do you think about the Monza renovations? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
Some car and track combinations could be considered 'default' in sim racing in 2024. GT3 usually ticks the car box in that regard, and the circuit to complete the cliché is either Spa-Francorchamps or Monza in any sim that feature both the class of car and the tracks. They are frequently found as public lobbies - the Monza Turn 1 memes have to come from somewhere, after all.
Monza's track layout for cars has not changed since 2000 when the 'Temple of Speed' replaced the infamous double chicane Variante Rettifilo with the tight right-left combination of Prima Variante, which literally translates to 'first turn'. Other than an alternate route for motorcycles at Prima Variante added in 2010, the course has remained the same.
And the 2024 renovations have not touched the layout itself, either. Monza will still be the high-speed icon it always has been, consisting of three chicanes and four right-handers. But, much like it has happened over the years at Spa, the surroundings have changed with the latest work being completed ahead of the 2024 Formula One Italian Grand Prix from August 30 to September 1.
Flatter Curbs Equal More Speed?
This does not mean the scenery as such, but the run-off and, more importantly, the curbs. Photos from Variante Ascari have shown them to be flattened considerably, which should mean taking a lot of curb when flying through Monza's fastest chicane should not be a problem anymore. Speeds could rise dramatically in that area as a result, particularly in single seaters.Previously, the kerbs were elevated, meaning that it was only possible to tackle them at the right angle. Most sim racers will probably have gotten it wrong on the final apex curb at the exit of the chicane, looping their car and possibly hitting the wall at considerable speed. From the photos that have been show, this should not be an issue anymore. Watching F1 cars fly through the renovated track in a few weeks should be extremely interesting, then.
Another change that could have a noticeable impact, and hopefully a positive one at that, is the reworked Prima Variante. While the trajectory itself should remain unchanged, the track has been widened at both apexes of the chicane, which should encourage racing side by side through the first combination of turns a bit more.
What has not been shown yet is the curb situation in the Lesmo corners. While using the inside curb in Lesmo 1 was not the usual thing to do, Lesmo 2's apex usually involved taking a healthy amount of the rumble strip. Should that have been flattened as well, it could make the exit out of the turn much faster as well - although it probably would still be a far cry from the original configuration of Lesmo 2 used until 1994. In the right circumstances, F1 cars could take that flat.
Which Sim Racing Title Will Have It First?
As mentioned, Monza is an essential track for basically every racing game and sim out there. Which title could incorporate the 2024 changes of the track first, though?Well, with Assetto Corsa Evo on the way, we would assume that one of the most important tracks in developer Kunos Simulazioni's home country will be incorporated in its most up-to-date form once the title is available. Additionally, Project Motor Racing (formerly GTRevival) being another interesting simulator currently in development, it will likely aim to do the same for the tracks it will incorporate.
Note the raised curb on the exit of the Ascari chicane prior to the renovations.
And while priorities are currently different in the Reiza Studios camp regarding Automobilista 2, the sim did set a precedent for having a modernized layout - namely that of Spa-Francorchamps in its 2022 guise, which was added to the 2020 version already present in AMS2. Both tracks are "Premium Track" DLC, so maybe Monza is going to see the same treatment.
All this considered, we are also almost certain that the real answer is going to be Assetto Corsa, thanks to its vibrant modding community. There are street circuits available already that F1 does not intend to race until 2026, after all...
What do you think about the Monza renovations? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
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