16/05/2014
NEWS STORY
The Monaco Grand Prix, the sixth round of the FIA Formula 1 Championship, is not only the most prestigious, but also a unique Grand Prix. In the principality the focus at the street circuit will be on high downforce, mechanical grip, and, of course, the drivers' skills, rather than engine power. Esteban Gutierrez and Adrian Sutil are looking forward to the event. The Sauber F1 Team is well-prepared after this week's test in Barcelona, where it focused on fine tuning the aerodynamic package and also on suspension developments.
Esteban Gutierrez: "The street circuit in Monaco is a very special track and one of my favorites on the calendar. As the track has many slow speed corners, we need to have a stable car. Our focus will be to get things sorted out and to make sure we are on target. What I like the most in Monte Carlo is driving on the narrow track between the guardrails. It is very challenging as you don't have a lot of space, and for a perfect lap you get very close to the barriers. The closer you get, the more you are pushing to the limit, so using every centimetre of the track. It is very exciting and racing on the streets of Monte Carlo is always a different kind of feeling."
Adrian Sutil: "The Monaco Grand Prix is a very nice event every year. I really like the track. For us, the most important aspect will be that our car works well and we can achieve a good performance. My objective is to travel back home with some points in my pocket. Looking back, I have good memories from the races in Monte Carlo as I collected some points almost every year. Last year it was an exciting race for me which I finished in fifth position. It is always a special Grand Prix, and I am looking forward to it."
Giampaolo Dall'Ara, Head of Track Engineering: "The race in Monaco has a unique character and it's a real challenge for drivers and engineers. Our main focus for lap times will be on mechanical grip and rear end stability. The power unit has a lesser relevance than in most of the other circuits, however, good torque progression and general driveability will make a difference. We are confident of having made a further step forward at the test in Barcelona, so we will be introducing some updates to the aerodynamic package and the rear suspension. In line with what has happened in the past, Pirelli has allocated the Soft and SuperSoft compounds to the event. In the last couple of years we've been witnessing some strong pace management in the race in order to minimise the number of pit stops, possibly bringing it down to a single one. The lack of overtaking opportunities around the circuit make a good qualifying very relevant."