Scuderia Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz Jr is on a run of four retirements, none of his own-doing, but the Spaniard will be looking to break that sequence at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza this weekend.
Sainz is expected to take a new engine in Italy and occur a ten-place grid penalty as a result, but is hopeful of driving a strong race to make up those positions on Sunday should he take the drop.
“I just can’t wait to get back in the car even if I have to change the engine,” said Sainz, who retired due to an issue with his Renault engine in Belgium that initially delayed his start.
“I’m positive even if I’ll have to take a 10-place grid penalty… I really want to at least gain all those positions back in the race.”
Sainz enjoyed success at Monza in 2014, taking two pole positions and only being denied a double victory by a car issue while on his way to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series title, and admits he is looking forward to finding out what it is like to drive an F1 car around the track.
“Monza is such a classic, old-school track, every driver loves to race there!” insisted Sainz. “I enjoyed it so much there last year.
“But to drive an F1 there and reach one of the highest top-speeds of the year… That must be such an adrenaline rush.”
