SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

Pizzonia's top speed F1 record could tumble

A 12-year F1 record might finally tumble at Monza this weekend.

A 12-year F1 record might finally tumble at Monza this weekend.

In 2004, it was Antonio Pizzonia who set the sport's current top-speed record in a BMW-Williams, as he blasted down the long straight at 369.9kph through the official speed trap.

That was with a 1000hp V10 screaming at 21,000rpm, but some believe the incredible current V6 units might go even quicker in Sunday's Italian grand prix.

Recalling that day at Monza as he substituted for the injured Ralf Schumacher, Brazilian Pizzonia said: "I was in the right car at the right time at the right track.

"With the 10 cylinder BMW, I had the strongest engine there was at the time. You noticed immediately how fast you were going: I still remember being in the tow of David Coulthard's McLaren and really feeling how fast I was," he told Germany's Auto Bild.

However, Pizzonia said there was no fear.

"To be honest, if you've driven enough laps at Monza, you get used to it," he said.

(GMM)