Keen followers of the Grand Prix will know that RBS has been an official sponsor of AT&T Williams for several years, and in May 2009 Green Flag became the latest brand to appear on the AT&T Williams car alongside RBS, Philips, Reuters and Bridgestone. In 2010, drivers Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg carry the Green Flag branding on their cars and helmet visors, at speeds of up to 220mph.
Belgian GP Review
After demonstrating pace on track and confident weather management from the pitwall on Saturday, race day did not run so smoothly for the AT&T Williams team. Rubens was an early casualty on the opening lap; as the sole top ten runner starting the race on the harder prime tyre, he hit a wet patch of track under braking into turn 18, colliding with Alonso's Ferrari and retired early with car damage from his 300th race. Team-mate Nico Hulkenberg took up the mantle, but before the first pitstop window, lost full throttle control which triggered a series of difficult pitstops, challenging car control in changeable weather and constant revisions to tyre plans on the pitwall. Despite a number of considered gambles to retrieve position, he finished a difficult day in P14.
Formula One Italian Grand Prix
September 10, 2010
The Circuit
Monza marks a real return to power track territory. The 5.793km circuit in the Old Royal Park is one of the few remaining high speed tracks on the calendar and so requires the lowest downforce arrangement seen all year. Monza's chicanes and four key corners, however, also demand a balancing aerodynamic efficiency to ensure a smooth transition over the harsh kerbs.
A traditional power track, engines are put through their paces over the weekend as they consistently reach speeds of 340kph and endure a full throttle ratio of 73% per lap. With such high top speeds, and an average lap speed of 250kph, extensive loads are exerted on the brakes during each braking event. With several overtaking opportunities over the lap, the final European round will no doubt be an engaging one.