AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly is excited for Formula 1 to make its debut at Mugello in the upcoming triple-header.
Gasly, who has bounced back superbly since his demotion from Red Bull last summer, knows from experience how thrilling the track is after racing at the venue in 2013 in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0.
The circuit concludes the next run of three races following on from this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix before heading to Italy for a home race at Monza followed by Mugello.
“In the case of Monza, I really think we will miss the fans because the atmosphere there, for our team’s home race as well, was always really special," said the Frenchman.
"And then comes Mugello, so that’s two home races for the team and, to some extent for me too as I live near Monza. This will be a special trio of races. I can’t wait to go to Mugello. It’s always exciting to discover a new circuit in a Formula 1 car."
The 24-year-old is one of the few drivers who has competed at Mugello in his junior career, so knows what to expect when the F1 circus pitches up there in two weeks' time.
"The teams have no data from this track so everyone, drivers and teams, will be discovering what it’s like," added Gasly. "It’s a thrilling layout and I think that will be especially true in a Formula 1 car.
"I raced there in 2013 but in an F1 car, it will be very different and impressive. The double right-hander especially should be super quick.
"It will be a track where you can really feel what a Formula 1 car can do and it will be fantastic from a driving point of view.”
There are, however, concerns over the lack of overtaking opportunities at Mugello, especially given the width of current F1 cars.
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