Post Qualifying Press Conference - Monaco
Monaco Grand Prix pole sitter Kimi Raikkonen shrugged off the fact that arch rival Fernando Alonso slashed his advantage at the front in final qualifying on Sunday morning - and stated that he has got no concerns about the overall pace of his car
Raikkonen had enjoyed an advantage of five-tenths of a second heading into final qualifying but saw Alonso cut that margin down to less than one-tenth as Renault seemed to have the edge in the session.
But Raikkonen insisted that difference was all down to him taking a conservative approach to the lap, and he is confident that his McLaren is well set-up for this afternoon's race.
"I took it quite easy in the first part especially, and then I slid a bit wide on the last corner, but I think we are on a strong position right now," said Raikkonen.
Although part of the time difference between the Raikkonen and Alonso is almost certainly down to how each driver attacked the lap, the other likelihood is that the McLaren is filled to the brim with fuel.
Raikkonen added: "I think we are definitely in the best position we could be and, like I said, we don't know how much fuel the other cars have.
"I think we will have a very good race. The car was very good this morning, so I am very happy and I am looking forward to the race."
Previous article
Webber: Tyre Wear will Determine Race
Next article
Raikkonen Unfazed by Alonso Challenge
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
The themes to watch in F1’s Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. BEN ANDERSON looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says NIGEL ROEBUCK
