Monza: Team Founds Superside preview

Team Founds Racing
FIM Superside Sidecar World Championship
Round 3 - Monza, Italy - 10,11,12th May 2002

MONZA EVENT PREVIEW
After what seems an eternity since the first round in March at Valencia, Spain, and following the disappointment of not raising the finance to compete at Round 2 in Kyalami, South Africa; Team Founds are looking forward to the event at Monza.

Monza is located some 15 mins to the north east of Milan, in Italy and has played host now for several years to Formula 1, World Superbikes and Moto GP. The circuit is just over 4 km in length, through woodland and parks and has some of the fastest corners of any motor racing circuit in the World.

Monza is undoubtedly one of the most difficult circuits that the Sidecars compete at during the World Championship season. From last years results, only 8 Sidecars finished, with most retiring due to engine failure. With machines capable of reaching speeds in excess of 170mph, coupled with fast corners such as the " Parabolica" and "Ascari" curves, the track will not be for the faint hearted.

" We have never raced here before at this historic circuit, " explains Chris, " and I know it will be very demanding, not only on Pete and myself but also on machinery and engines. " Chris continues, " We have been very busy since Valencia, altering parts on the chassis and tuning the engines. With additional track time at local circuit, Oulton Park, we now feel more comfortable with the bike. "

The Team running the smaller 1000cc R1 Yamaha engine, will have a considerable power disadvantage at Monza, against most of their competitors who are running the larger 1200cc engine machines. The Team are hoping however, that the overall weight saved by running the smaller engine will provide an advantage around the long, sweeping right hand corners at Monza.

Pete Founds, the passenger explains, " The bike is prone to understeer, a phenomenon when the front of the bike pushes to the left around long right hand corners. With the lighter 1000cc engines, I only need to slightly adjust my weight to compensate for this, hopefully allowing us to then carry more corner speed onto the following straights. "

Having slipped back to 16th in the World Championship with the 4 points from Valencia, due to missing Round 2 in South Africa, the Team are now looking to move back up the table and are aiming for a top 10 finish in Monza.

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