RACE
Round 6 – Monaco Grand Prix – May 27-29
D GUIDE www.speedcafe.com
MONTE CARLO s r a t S Rising
Opinion Profiles Pictures Bagman
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Race Guide The Circuit de Monaco does not lack for spectacular scenery
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Round 6 – Monaco
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Race Preview
Round 6 – Monaco
INTRODUCTION RACE GUIDE EVENT 2 – Clipsal 500, Adelaide – March 17-20
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MONTE CARLO
EDITOR: Stefan Bartholomaeus PRODUCTION: Stefan Bartholomaeus SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson IMAGES: Scuderia Ferrari Red Bull Racing Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Mercedes GP GUEST COLUMNIST: Daryl Beattie PARTNERS: Castrol EDGE, IRWIN Tools, Jack Daniel’s, Orrcon Steel, Pirtek, Vodafone, HDT, Norton 360
Unique streets
L
ove or loathe Monaco’s uber-rich suave and tight and twisty street course, the Monaco Grand Prix offers something quite unique to the Formula One calendar.
For one race each year, gone is the extreme emphasis on aerodynamics, and in its place come the more traditional motor racing values of engine characteristics and mechanical grip. Last year’s event saw Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica sweep the top three places in both qualifying and the race indicating that while the Renault engines may not have the outright power of the Mercedes units, their low-end torque leaves little to be desired. Tyres have dominated the opening five races of the season, and will again be a great talking point in Monaco, thanks to Pirelli introducing its ‘super soft’ compound tyre for the first time. While the track is widely considered as easy on tyres, drive-traction out of Portier will be vital as the stints progress - setting up potential passing moves at the Nouvelle Chicane. The Downforce Reduction System activation zone will be on the pit straight during the race, and is unlikely to have much effect considering the relatively low top speed and tight nature of the entry into Ste. Devote. Qualifying however will be a different story, with many looking forward to seeing the drivers juggle the DRS and KERS around the entire lap - bar the Tunnel, where its usage has been banned for safety reasons. With IndyCar’s Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 once again proceeding Monaco this year, it’s set to be a big weekend in world motorsport.
Green means go! STEFAN BARTHOLOMAEUS Journalist, Speedcafe.com Editor, Speedcafe Race Guides
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Race Guide
COVER STORY
Rising Stars
Mercedes is slowing turning things around after a difficult opening five months of 2011
A
fter a disastrous opening race at Albert Park, the famous threepointed star has been on the rise in recent weeks. Following their double-DNF in Australia, Mercedes GP team drivers Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher have each scored points at three of the last four Grands Prix, leaving the two Germans sixth and tenth in the Drivers Championship respectively. According to team principal Ross Brawn, a succession of updates - particularly to its diffuser/exhaust package - has seen improved consistency from the W02, leading to improved performances across the Barcelona Turkey and Barcelona weekends. Having raced each other hard in Spain, both drivers say they are looking forward to the Monaco race. Rosberg grew up in Monte Carlo, and aims to become the first second-generation winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, after his father Keke’s success in 1983. “The Monaco Grand Prix is
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always a thrilling weekend for me,” says Rosberg. “It’s my home race and to drive in front of my family and my friends is always very special. “My old school is actually right next to the paddock! I also really love driving the circuit as you have to drive very aggressively but also be so precise. “The drive through the tunnel at 280 kph is always a real adventure. You are so close to the barriers that you can really feel how fast the cars actually are. “This year, the race has the potential to be more exciting than ever. If KERS and the DRS do make overtaking possible, it will be great for the fans.” Believed to be the only team running a pedal operated DRS, the Mercedes drivers could have an advantage in qualifying this weekend, where the Brackley-based squad estimates the drivers will apply approximately 200 inputs (including steering, gear changing, KERS and DRS activations) over the 3.4km
lap. While the introduction of Pirelli tyres this year has decreased the importance of qualifying - Schumacher will almost certainly need to perform better than his season average grid position of 10.8 if he is to score a strong result on the twisty street circuit. A five-time winner in Monaco, Schumacher says the result of this weekend’s race is extremely hard to predict. “I have absolutely no sort of feeling and understanding whether our car may suit this track any better than other tracks so it is going to be completely open,” says Schumacher. “Tyres will certainly be the most important factor, (and) I think if you have the right tyre and the right situation in place then it will certainly help you.” With Pirelli’s ‘super soft’ compound tyre set to make its debut this weekend, Schumacher will not be the only one unsure of what to expect.
Round 6 – Monaco
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Race Guide
The Clown Prince
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Event 12 – Symmons Plains
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Race Guide
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Round 6 – Monaco
TRACK DETAILS
ENGINE: Monaco is a circuit where good torque and driveability are required. BRAKES: The lack of brakes mean that the brakes are relatively hot throughout, because there is insufficient time to allow for cooling. The heaviest braking comes into effect coming out of the tunnel and into the chicane. SUSPENSION: Due to the low speeds and low aerodynamic grip, mechanical grip is essential. The surface is unique and bumpy, so softer springs are needed to allow for more travel and a better ride. Special front suspension, with extra steering lock, is required for the hairpin at Turn 6.
TYRES: Monaco is easier on tyres than other circuit, and Pirelli will bring their softest compounds to the race. WINGS: DRS will not be allowed in the tunnel during qualifying due to safety concerns. Its effectiveness during the race will be minimal due to the tight nature of the circuit. The cars will run with almost maximum front and rear wing angles due to the low speed nature of the circuit. Key technical stats: Lap percentage spent under braking: 13% Lap percentage at full throttle: 44.7% Slowest speed: 50kph Highest speed: 285kph
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Round 6 – 2Monaco Round – Malaysia
OPINION by DARYL BEATTIE
Monte Carlo magic
I
love Monaco. I lived there for six years and have been fortunate enough to have been there for a few Grands Prix. It’s a must do on anyone’s motor racing calendar.
In the old days, I got to stand in the tunnel as the cars came through, and that’s pretty impressive. The town get so behind it, and because the track is so small, everything feels so close. Street circuits that we know in Australia, like Adelaide and Albert Park, are big venues. At Monaco, even though you can’t see all the circuit, if you stand in the right place, you can see a fair bit of it. Within a 10 minutes walk, you can nearly cover it all. For me, it feels like you’re in the paddock all the time – no matter where you are. That’s what makes it so special. Obviously the glamour and the flash cars help add to the spectacle, and it is something that you’ve just got to do at least once. The only downside, in my eyes, is that it’s not really a racing circuit. Historically, it’s amazing, and all of the old faces that turn up to the race make it what it is, but realistically, it’s not a race track. It’s so narrow, and passing is next to
impossible. As always, qualifying is going to be so critical this weekend. It will decide the race. I hope that’s not case, but even with the new rules this year, I can’t see too many passing moves being played out.” We know Monaco isn’t a passing circuit. Strategy is going to play a huge part this weekend, especially with the soft tyre from Pirelli. And I can’t see The DRS making any effect around there. The cars can only use it on the front straight, and I doubt we’ll see anyone making passing moves at the first turn. But for all its downsides, it’s still a great event and one I’m looking forward to this weekend. Daryl Beattie Network Ten motor racing expert
F1 TV TIMES Saturday; Qualifying - 9:50pm-11:09pm (One HD) Sunday; Race - 9:00pm-12:04am (One HD), 10:00pm12:04am (Ten). Check local guides for details
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Race Guide
THE BAG MAN
THE N A M G A B SPEEDCAFE.COM’S
AN’S SAY
K FORM – THE BAGM
AC RECENT FORM - TR
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Round 6 – 2Monaco Round – Malaysia
RED BULL RACING SEBASTIAN VETTEL “Grid position is very important and can determine your race, as traditionally overtaking in Monaco is very tricky. Managing the traffic during qualifying in Monaco is also a big challenge.”
Nat: German DoB: 03/07/1987 Wins: 14
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
2
1
DNF
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
DNF
2
MARK WEBBER “There are a lot of question marks going into this year’s race in terms of how the tyres will be and the strategy could be the most complicated of the year. It’s a track that I’ve always seemed to do reasonably well at and I have some of my best memories as a racing driver there.”
Nat: Australian DoB: 27/08/1976 Wins: 6
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
3
2
DNF
2
8
5
4
3
2
4
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Sebastian Vettel has won four of the opening five races of the season, and not surprisingly will start this weekend’s race as the favourite. The 23-year-old German was beaten to the Monaco trophy last year by team-mate Mark Webber, and has yet to win Formula One’s crown jewel race in his three attempts so far. Webber by contrast has been electrifying on the tight streets, putting in strong performances with Jaguar, Williams and Red Bull, after also tasting success in Formula 3000 at the venue. To repeat his 2010 success, Webber must improve his starts, after dropping more positions than any other driver on the run to the first corner over the opening five races. With Red Bull allowing the highest placed of its drivers to dictate the timing of the first pitstops, the battle between Vettel and Webber into the first corner - should they share the front-row - is likely to be intense. Expect RBR to shade McLaren this weekend in one of the closest battles between the two teams thus far.
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
11
DNF
DNF
3
DNF
DNF
4
5
1
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Race Guide
McLAREN MERCEDES LEWIS HAMILTON “I’m really looking forward to Monaco this year because I think we’ll see a different race from previous years. I think a combination of DRS, KERS Hybrid and the tyres will really make the racing come alive.”
Nat: British DoB: 07/01/1985 Wins: 15
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
DNF
5
2
4
2
2
8
1
4
2
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
1
12
5
JENSON BUTTON “Monaco is the most glamorous and historic race on the calendar. Winning there (in 2009) was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, and it remains one of my favourite grand prix victories.”
Nat: British DoB: 19/01/1980 Wins: 9
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
4
4
12
5
3
6
2
4
6
3
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
7
DNF
DNS
2
-
11
11
11
1
DNF
16
THE BAGMAN’S SAY McLaren will enter Monaco with increased confidence after an impressive run in Barcelona. Lewis Hamilton pushed eventual winner Vettel all the way to the flag in the Spanish Grand Prix, despite having to clear both Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso in the early pitstops. Perhaps crucially, the McLaren was seen to be marginally faster than the Red Bull in the tighter third sector - a possible indicator to a new pecking order in Monaco. Jenson Button also had an impressive race in Spain, recovering to third after a shocking start that saw the 2009 World Champion run 10th on the opening lap. The team again showed a tendency to run longer than Red Bull on the soft tyres in Barcelona, with Button even being switched from a four to a three-stop strategy during the race. Both drivers have won here in the past, and could well do so again this weekend.
Round 6 – Monaco
FERRARI FERNANDO ALONSO “We were not competitive in Spain, but this is a completely different track. We will try and do our best here at a track where aerodynamics might be less important, so maybe we can have a good weekend and score many points.”
Nat: Spanish DoB: 29/07/1981 Wins: 26
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
1
3
1
3
7
4
6
7
3
5
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
DNF
-
5
DNF
4
1
1
10
7
6
FELIPE MASSA “I enjoy the whole Monaco weekend and it is an important event on the calendar, but when I’m there I don’t walk to the track in the morning thinking about it being the most famous motor race in the world. It’s another race to concentrate on and it has a unique challenge.”
Nat: Brazilian DoB: 25/04/1976 Wins: 11
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
8 DNF 3 Recent Monaco Form
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
15
10
7
5
6
11
DNF
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
DNF
-
5
9
9
3
3
4
4
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Ferrari will be glad to see the back of the hard compound tyre this weekend, after early-race leader Fernando Alonso dropped a lap to Vettel while on the white-marked tyres in Barcelona. Having struggled in qualifying throughout the opening races, Alonso qualified fourth for the Spanish Grand Prix, and gave the Scuderia every chance of a second consecutive podium finish by emerging from the first corner with the race lead. Even pre-empting Mark Webber’s pit strategy during the opening half of the race couldn’t yield a better result than fifth however - indicating the team has plenty of work to do on aerodynamic performance. The squad has undergone a technical reshuffle since Barcelona, with technical director Aldo Costa seemingly paying the price for the 150th Italia’s lack of speed. Felipe Massa will also be under pressure after his disastrous Spanish Grand Prix weekend. A podium will be a fantastic result for Ferrari this weekend.
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Race Guide
MERCEDES MICHAEL SCHUMACHER “The street circuit may be somewhat anachronistic when we usually care so much about safety but the race is so special on the Formula One calendar that for once, you just go for it. “
Nat: German DoB: 03/01/1969 Wins: 91
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
13
6
4
7
DNF
DNF
9
8
12
6
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
1
2
3
DNF
7
5
-
-
-
12
NICO ROSBERG This year, the race has the potential to be more exciting than ever. If KERS and the DRS do make overtaking possible, it will be great for the fans.” Nat: German DoB: 27/06/1985 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
5
17
DNF
6
4
DNF
12
5
5
7
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
DNF
12
DNF
6
7
18
THE BAGMAN’S SAY While the aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades brought to the Spanish Grand Prix failed to propel the Mercedes GP drivers any closer to Red Bull and McLaren, Mercedes closed on fourth place in the Constructors Championship in Barcelona. Michael Schumacher managed to come out on top of team-mate Nico Rosberg for the first time this season - taking sixth place in the race after electing not to run in Q3 in order to save a set of soft tyres. The result, which came after the pair battled each other hard during the middle of the race, will be a boost for Schumacher after a tough start to the season. The German is a five-time winner in Monaco, and could benefit from the team’s foot-operated DRS on the busy Monaco qualifying laps. Rosberg was hampered by DRS and radio failures in Spain, and will likely bounce back well in Monaco. Points for both drivers is the minimum expectation for the silver arrows this weekend, while Rosberg will push the front-runners for a top five result.
Round 1 – Australia
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Race Guide
RENAULT NICK HEIDFELD
“If I had to recommend a race for spectators to go to I would tell them to go to Monaco – it is such a special event. The location is fantastic and there is such an amazing atmosphere all around us, it’s a really crazy race. “
Nat: German DoB: 10/05/1977 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
DNF
8
9
17
11
12
3
12
7
8
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
DNF
8
11
7
2
7
6
14
11
-
VITALY PETROV “Qualifying will be very important. I feel we can qualify for the race very strongly and near to the front – this will be the key here, of that there’s no doubt. If you don’t qualify well, it makes it very difficult.” Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
11 DNF DNF Recent Monaco Form
Nat: Russian DoB: 08/09/1984 Wins: 0
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
16
6
3
17
9
8
11
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
13
20
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Following back-to-back podium finishes in Australia and Malaysia, Renault has lost significant ground to its rivals, and is now entrenched in the lower half of the top 10. This can put the team in a somewhat awkward position in Q3, where it can be beneficial to not venture onto the circuit in order to save another set of tyres for the race. Petrov decided to complete Q3 in Spain, qualifying sixth on the grid, but dropped to 11th by the end of the race. Team-mate Heidfeld, by contrast, started from the tail of the field thanks to missing qualifying following a Practice 3 fire, and stormed his way through to an eighth place finish by race end. The black and gold squad will benefit from the torque-laden Renault engine in Monaco, which proved unbeatable last year in the hands of Red Bull Racing and the factory team. This year, expect both drivers to score small bags of points.
Round 6 – Monaco
WILLIAMS RUBENS BARRICHELLO “Monaco is a second home for me so I really enjoy this race weekend, especially qualifying. We are keen to keep on fighting as we want to score some points as soon as possible.”
Nat: Brazilian DoB: 23/05/1972 Wins: 11
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
6
9
7
14
12
DNF
DNF
13
15
17
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
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2010
2
7
8
3
8
4
10
6
2
DNF
PASTOR MALDONADO “I feel good heading to Monaco and it is definitely my favourite track and a place where I’ve had great results over the last five years. For me it has a magical atmosphere.”
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Williams will head to Monaco still looking for their first points of the season, despite Pastor Maldonado being a surprise addition to Q3 on Saturday in Spain. The Venezuelan rookie ended qualifying as the ninth fastest man, but managed just 15th in the race after completing a four-stop strategy. Team-mate Rubens Barrichello had a more fraught weekend - failing to make it through Q1 due to a gearbox problem, before being delayed with pitstop and KERS issues in the race. While the tight Monaco layout will hide the team’s aerodynamic deficiencies, a points finish still seems a lofty goal. Any result will be better than last year’s Monaco race however, where both cars crashed heavily early due to damage-induced failures.
Nat: Venezuelan DoB: 09/03/1985 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
-
-
-
-
-
DNF
DNF
18
17
15
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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Race Guide
FORCE INDIA ADRIAN SUTIL “Qualifying is normally the key in Monaco. It used to decide your race. We’ll have to see if it’s any different this year with the nature of the Pirelli tyres and the different strategies, but I think overtaking will still be very difficult.”
Nat: German DoB: 11/01/1983 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
9
DNF
DNF
12
13
9
11
15
13
13
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
DNF
DNF
14
8
PAUL DI RESTA “Some of the modern circuits are too easy, but Monaco is a real old traditional place. The barriers are close but you respect the limit more and you have to build your speed up slowly through the weekend so that you don’t go over the limit.”
Nat: British DoB: 16/04/1986 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
Recent Monaco Form
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
-
-
10
10
11
DNF
12
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
22
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Like Renault, Force India has lost ground since making a strong start to the season - with the Indian squad turning in its worst 2011 performance last time out in Spain. Team drivers Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta brought up the rear of the field in Q2 thanks to a tactical decision to save fresh soft tyres for the race. The strategy failed to pay off however, with the team failing to score points for the third consecutive race. While again edged by rookie di Resta in both the race and qualifying, Sutil did well to put in a mature performance in the midst of a storm surrounding his alleged off-track indiscretion in China. Having been traditionally strongest on low-downforce tracks, making Q3 and scoring points may again be beyond the Force Indias this weekend.
Round 1 – Australia
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Race Guide
SAUBER KAMUI KOBAYASHI “I think it is still going to be very hard to overtake, but maybe there will now be a chance with the rear wing system. But we never know, and it may also be risky. “
Nat: Japanese DoB: 13/09/1986 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
DNF
7
8
10
14
DSQ
7
10
10
10
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
DNF
SERGIO PEREZ “It will be a very special weekend for me. It is the race I was waiting for and on this circuit a driver can make a bigger difference than on others.” Nat: Mexican DoB: 26/01/1990 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
-
-
-
-
-
DSQ
DNF
17
14
9
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
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2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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24
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Kamui Kobayashi will look to continue his highly impressive 2011 season form in Monaco, after extending his streak of points finishes in Barcelona. The Japanese driver finished 10th in the Spanish Grand Prix despite suffering a puncture on the opening lap, while rookie team-mate Sergio Perez scored the first points finish of his career with eighth. The effect pf Sauber’s greatest strength, tyre conservation, is likely to be lessened this weekend thanks to the nature of the circuit - with even the super soft tyre expected to last 22 laps. Look for another top 10 from Kobayashi this weekend regardless, while Perez, who won the GP2 feature race in Monaco last year, won’t be too far behind.
Round 6 – Monaco
TORO ROSSO SEBASTIEN BUEMI “I think we were a bit unlucky to lose a lot of time (in Spain) when I got lapped. Also our strategy was not quite perfect and on top of that, we were generally a little bit too slow and Force India and Sauber beat us fair and square.”
Nat: Swiss DoB: 31/10/1988 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
14
10
DNF
13
15
8
13
14
9
14
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
DNF
10
JAIME ALGUESUARI “In terms of my lap times, Spain was very slightly more positive than Turkey. We really need to deal with the tyre degradation and there is a lot of work still to do, if we are to be competitive and fighting for points.”
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Jaime Alguesuari will be desperate to take advantage of the tyre-friendly Monaco layout this weekend, after being dogged by high degradation levels over the opening races. The Spaniard is yet to beat teammate Sebastien Buemi in a race this season, and managed just 16th at his home race in Barcelona. Buemi, who completed three stops to his team-mate’s four in Barcelona, scored points in Monaco last year, and is optimistic of a repeat this weekend. Both drivers will continue to feel the pressure of the precense of Australian test driver Daniel Ricciardo, who will again take to the track in practice on Friday.
Nat: Spanish DoB: 23/03/1990 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
12
11
11
11
9
11
14
DNF
16
16
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11
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Race Guide
LOTUS HEIKKI KOVALAINEN “Maybe we should have pitted earlier on (in Spain) but we still learnt a lot and can take that to Monaco where I think it will be a very interesting weekend for everyone.”
Nat: Finnish DoB: 19/10/1981 Wins: 1
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
16
12
13
18
17
DNF
15
16
19
DNF
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
13
8
DNF
DNF
JARNO TRULLI “The overall aero package is good - we just need to focus on developing that for the future and increase the gap even more from the guys behind, and keep on closing the distance to the cars ahead.”
Nat: Italian DoB: 13/07/1974 Wins: 1
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
DNF 13 DNF Recent Monaco Form
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
19
21
13
DNF
19
18
18
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
DNF
4
6
1
10
17
15
13
13
15
26
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Team Lotus will again have its sights on Williams this weekend, as it continues to aim to knock off the established teams. Team principal Mike Gascoyne expressed his pleasure with the team’s latest aerodynamic package in Spain - despite another dismal race result for the team. Heikki Kovalainen, who qualified ahead of the Force Indias courtesy of using a set of soft tyres in Q1, crashed out of the race, while Jarno Trulli was 18th - 60s behind Rubens Barrichello - after an exhaust issue. The team still has a long way to go before it can do anything but make up the numbers.
Round 1 – Australia
25
Race Guide
HRT NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN “Once we do some running on Thursday and are able to assess all the new variables on the car, especially with the new tyres, only then will we be able to decide which kind of strategy will be the optimum for the race on Sunday.”
Nat: Indian DoB: 14/01/1977 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
-
-
-
-
-
DNQ
DNF
23
21
21
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
DNF
-
-
-
-
-
VITANTONIO LIUZZI “I love Monaco, it’s one of the greatest races in motorsport as you drive between the rails and really need to be fearless. It’s the most glamorous race, an amazing weekend for everyone, it truly is something spectacular.”
Nat: Italian DoB: 08/06/1981 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
DNF
DNF
6
DNF
DNF
DNQ
DNF
22
22
DNF
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
DNF
10
DNF
-
-
9
28
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Tonio Liuzzi may sit at the foot of the 2011 World Drivers Championship standings after the opening five races, but the Italian will be looking forward to Monaco, where driver skill traditionally plays a (marginally) greater role in overall performance. The former Red Bull driver led the Virgin Racing cars early in Barcelona before gearbox problems set in. While Liuzzi is again expected to out-qualifying both the Virgin Racing entries, Narain Karthikeyan will need to pick up the pace if he is to do the same. The Indian has struggled for qualifying speed and tyre life relative to his team-mate in the opening races, and may be even further off the pace on the tricky Monaco streets.
Round 6 – Monaco
VIRGIN TIMO GLOCK “The thrill of racing here never fades no matter how many times you drive here. I think we are in for an exciting race weekend with plenty of action.”
Nat: German DoB: 18/03/1982 Wins: 0
Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
DNF
14
DNF
20
DNF
DNF
16
21
DNS
19
Recent Monaco Form 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
12
10
DNF
THE BAGMAN’S SAY Like Liuzzi, this weekend marks a small opportunity for Timo Glock to shine - although it is unlikely to German will be able to drag the happless Virgin Racing squad to anything like a respectable result. The team has slipped closer to the 107% qualifying cut-off in recent races, with rookie Jerome D’Ambrosio qualifying a full 0.6s behind Karthikeyan in Barcelona. Expect little to change results-wise this weekend.
JEROME D’AMBROSIO “We have the additional interest value of using the DRS here. I don’t think it will significantly help overtaking here because of the nature of the circuit, but it will add to the workload whilst driving and that in itself will be quite tricky.” Recent Grand Prix Form SIN
JAP
KOR
Recent Monaco Form
Nat: Belgian DoB: 27/12/1985 Wins: 0
BRA
ABU
AUS
MAL
CHI
TUR
ESP
-
-
14
DNF
20
20
20
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
27 29
Race Guide
22
Round 6 – Monaco
PAST MONACO GP WINNERS Year 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970
Driver Mark Webber Jenson Button Lewis Hamilton Fernando Alonso Fernando Alonso Kimi Räikkönen Jarno Trulli Juan Pablo Montoya David Coulthard Michael Schumacher David Coulthard Michael Schumacher Mika Häkkinen Michael Schumacher Olivier Panis Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna Alain Prost Ayrton Senna Alain Prost Alain Prost Alain Prost Keke Rosberg Riccardo Patrese Gilles Villeneuve Carlos Reutemann Jody Scheckter Patrick Depailler Jody Scheckter Niki Lauda Niki Lauda Ronnie Peterson Jackie Stewart Jean-Pierre Beltoise Jackie Stewart Jochen Rindt
Constructor Red Bull-Renault Brawn-Mercedes McLaren-Mercedes McLaren-Mercedes Renault McLaren-Mercedes Renault Williams-BMW McLaren-Mercedes Ferrari McLaren-Mercedes Ferrari McLaren-Mercedes Ferrari Ligier-Mugen-Honda Benetton-Renault Benetton-Ford McLaren-Ford McLaren-Honda McLaren-Honda McLaren-Honda McLaren-Honda McLaren-Honda Lotus-Honda McLaren-TAG McLaren-TAG McLaren-TAG Williams-Ford Brabham-Ford Ferrari Williams-Ford Ferrari Tyrrell-Ford Wolf-Ford Ferrari Ferrari Lotus-Ford Tyrrell-Ford BRM Tyrrell-Ford Lotus-Ford
29 31
Race Guide
CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP no
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24
Driver Sebastian Vettel Lewis Hamilton Mark Webber Jenson Button Fernando Alonso Nico Rosberg Nick Heidfeld Felipe Massa Vitaly Petrov Michael Schumacher Kamui Kobayashi Sébastien Buemi Adrian Sutil Sergio Perez Mendoza Paul di Resta Jaime Alguersuari Rubens Barrichello Jarno Trulli Jérôme D’Ambrosio Heikki Kovalainen Pastor Maldonado Timo Glock Narain Karthikeyan Vitantonio Liuzzi
Nat DEU GBR AUS GBR ESP DEU DEU BRA RUS DEU JPN SUI DEU MEX GBR ESP BRA ITA BEL FIN VEN DEU IND ITA
Car Red Bull McLaren Red Bull McLaren Ferrari Mercedes Renault Ferrari Renault Mercedes Sauber Toro Rosso Force India Sauber Force India Toro Rosso Williams Lotus Virgin Lotus Williams Virgin HRT HRT
Points 118 77 67 61 51 26 25 24 21 14 9 6 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
WORLD CONSTUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
32
Constructor Red Bull Racing Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Lotus Renault GP Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team Sauber F1 Team Scuderia Toro Rosso Force India F1 Team AT&T Williams Team Lotus Marussia Virgin Racing HRT F1 Team
Engine Renault Mercedes Ferrari Renault Mercedes Ferrari Ferrari Mercedes Cosworth Renault Cosworth Cosworth
Points 185 138 75 46 40 11 6 4 0 0 0 0
Round 2 – Malaysia
23 33
Race Guide
32
Round 6 – Monaco
PAST CHAMPIONS Year Driver Nat Constructor Wins Poles Points 2010 Sebastian Vettel GER Red Bull 5 10 256 2009 Jenson Button GBR Brawn 6 4 95 2008 Lewis Hamilton GBR McLaren 5 7 98 2007 Kimi Räikkönen FIN Ferrari 6 3 110 2006 Fernando Alonso ESP Renault 7 6 134 2005 Fernando Alonso ESP Renault 7 6 133 2004 Michael Schumacher GER Ferrari 13 8 148 2003 Michael Schumacher GER Ferrari 6 5 93 2002 Michael Schumacher GER Ferrari 11 7 144 2001 Michael Schumacher GER Ferrari 9 11 123 2000 Michael Schumacher GER Ferrari 9 9 108 1999 Mika Häkkinen FIN McLaren 5 11 76 1998 Mika Häkkinen FIN McLaren 8 9 100 1997 Jacques Villeneuve CAN Williams 7 10 81 1996 Damon Hill GBR Williams 8 9 97 1995 Michael Schumacher GER Benetton 9 4 102 1994 Michael Schumacher GER Benetton 8 6 92 1993 Alain Prost FRA Williams 7 13 99 1992 Nigel Mansell GBR Williams 9 14 108 1991 Ayrton Senna BRA McLaren 7 8 96 1990 Ayrton Senna BRA McLaren 6 10 78 1989 Alain Prost FRA McLaren 4 2 76 1988 Ayrton Senna BRA McLaren 8 13 90 1987 Nelson Piquet BRA Williams 3 4 73 1986 Alain Prost FRA McLaren 4 1 72 1985 Alain Prost FRA McLaren 5 2 73 1984 Niki Lauda AUT McLaren 5 0 72 1983 Nelson Piquet BRA Brabham 3 1 59 1982 Keke Rosberg FIN Williams 1 1 44 1981 Nelson Piquet BRA Brabham 3 4 50
33 35
Race Guide
36
Round 6 – 2Monaco Round – Malaysia The exit of Casino Square is often lauded as the best place to watch Grand Prix cars in the world.
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