Q & A with Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel: Yes, I am very excited. I am excited to be here in Monaco, and the first time I will drive and race on this circuit in a Formula One car. So we will see.

Q. How did the test at Paul Ricard go?

SV: Very good. I am very confident for the future, let's say. I had a very good feeling in the car. For me it is a step forward, but we have to see how much of a step. Hopefully it will be bigger than we ever dreamed of.

Q. Do you think you are better prepared now than if you had started the season with the new car?

SV: Yes, definitely. I think in the end it was the right decision even if so far the results didn't prove that. But the first four races were difficult anyway because we didn't manage to finish.

But it was the right decision to start the season with a car that we knew from before, so now we have had the chance to test it. Obviously it is not enough, you never get enough testing, but it is good. There was a delay on one race, but it's okay. That is history now and no one cares any more.

Q. Do you feel you can get on top of the car quick enough, as other teams have had their car for five races now?

SV: Well, I think the test last week was very important to get a general feeling. In the end, it always comes down to driving the car as fast as you can - that is always the same. I think I had a good amount of time to adapt so I think it should be fine. I can't predict the future, no one really can. But if you know someone who can then please tell me!

Q. You had terrible luck at the start of the season, crashing on the first lap in three of the first four races. Then, when you finally get a race finish in Turkey, it earns you a five-place grid penalty for Monaco because you need to change the gearbox. Can you believe your bad luck?

SV: I don't know. I don't believe in bad luck. Sometimes it is like that, it is part of the job and part of the game. Life is like that in motorsport. Sometimes it is going up and sometimes it is going down. But now I am very happy that we finally have the new car. That is the most important thing. And maybe here is the new start to the season.

Q. What do you think about your chances of getting through to Q2 at least?

SV: I will try and push as hard as I can. I am here to do the best job I can, and hopefully it is enough to go into Q2 first - and who knows, maybe Q3. This is a special circuit; maybe there is some rain.

Q. You enjoyed Macau when you were there, what do you think about Monaco?

SV: Well, it is not the same as Macau - unfortunately. Macau is number one, way in front of any other circuit in the world. But Monaco is a nice circuit, I like it. I have been here twice - in F3 and Formula Renault 3.5 last year. I know the circuit and it is quite tricky, it is quite demanding - you have to be sensitive as well as very aggressive. I like it.