By alley - Sep 5, 2014, 1:34 PM ET

F1: Drivers pushing the envelope at Parabolica

Formula 1 drivers have admitted they can now be much more confident at Monza's Parabolica after the controversial changes to run-off at the Italian Grand Prix venue's final bend.

Much of the gravel trap at the fast right-hander has been removed in favor of an asphalt area.

While many insisted on Thursday that Parabolica's challenge

had not been diminished, F1 championship leader Nico Rosberg was among the racers who admitted it was now less intimidating having tried it in practice.

"This morning I was taking more risks through there – braking later and just seeing how it goes," said Rosberg, "because I know if I go wide then it's no problem.

"I just tried a few things and that's definitely different. It used to be if you made a small mistake, you were gone."

McLaren driver Jenson Button said he now felt he could take more speed into the corner.

"I'm definitely carrying more speed in there than I did last year because you're not so wary of the gravel now it's non-existent," he said. "It's obviously more forgiving. You take more speed in, you're more confident on the entry, and if you make a mistake you just run wide.

"It's still a rush driving through there, I still love the corner, it's just a little bit different. It's a quicker corner, but whether I like it or not, I don't really know."

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo said the changes had not spoilt Monza for him as the overall challenge of the track was still sufficient.

"It's always fun here. For a track with so few corners, it is very challenging," he said. "With the low downforce, braking is very difficult.

"The shape of Parabolica is the same, but you can afford to run a couple of wheels over the white line now. It sucks the car out. I wouldn't say it is quicker but there is a bit more margin for error."

Originally on Autosport.com