The 2007 Monaco GP Preview

Monaco is a tight, twisty circuit that requires excellent traction, precise handling and smooth power delivery. More than any other circuit, the drivers make a difference, being rewarded for consistency and daring to take the cars right to the barriers, and not half an inch beyond - teams strengthen the suspension specifically to handle minor brushes with the wall!

Being a relatively low-speed circuit, drag is not a primary concern, so teams will muster every bit of downforce they can find. Traditionally, this is the circuit where strange aerodynamic solutions make an appearance, not only to improve cornering speed and braking, but also to ensure that the car is effectively balanced, increasing driver confidence.

Overtaking here is very tough (though there were some excellent manoeuvres by Michael Schumacher and Giancarlo Fisichella to move through the field last year), placing a considerable premium on qualifying and getting a great start. Getting strategy right is vital for making up places.

Rain is always a risk and has a knack of throwing up surprises. With showers predicted over the weekend, some very unusual results could be forthcoming, even on the podium.

Flashback

In 2006, Michael Schumacher was pilloried for parking his car at Rascasse on his final lap, causing a yellow flag and obstruction that forced all the following drivers to run slowly. He was demoted to the back of the grid.

Consequently, Alonso inherited pole, followed by Webber, Raikkonen, Montoya, Barrichello, Trulli and Coulthard. Fisichella lined up ninth after losing his three best times, whilst Rosberg ran very heavy on fuel.

On race day, Alonso started cleanly in his Renault whilst Webber and Williams struggled to contain the fast-starting Raikkonen's McLaren - indeed, the Finn passed him a lap later and proceeded to harass Alonso. Montoya kept close pace with Webber, and the leading foursome pulled comfortably clear of the following train, which was caught behind a very heavy Barrichello.

Schumacher started from the pitlane - just as well, it turned out, as the Midlands tangled - and he quickly worked up to sixteenth before discovering an obstacle in Button: it took 20 laps to force an opening at the chicane.

Alonso and Raikkonen were a minute down the road at that point, and pulling away from Webber and Montoya.

Montoya stopped and returned in fourth on lap 21, followed by Raikkonen. Alonso stopped two laps later, almost failing to hold his lead over Raikkonen. He proceeded to lap slightly slower, looking after his rear tyres - incidentally bringing Webber and Montoya back in to the chase. They soon closed on a long trail of backmarkers, including Schumacher, who saw an opportunity to pit ...

On lap 47, Webber came to a halt after a faulty exhaust caused his wiring loom to burn out. This caused a safety car, forcing the hand of the second stoppers, and again, Alonso struggled to contain Raikkonen - but the McLaren soon came to a stop when the car's heat shield failed.

Klien lost drive on lap 57, Barrichello was assigned a drive-through penalty for speeding during his stop, robbing him of a podium, then Trulli had hydraulic problems, leaving Coulthard to inherit the third spot on the podium.

Pos  Driver        Team                 Time
 1.  Alonso        Renault          (M) 1h43:43.116
 2.  Montoya       McLaren-Mercedes (M) +    14.567
 3.  Coulthard     Red Bull-Ferrari (M) +    52.298
 4.  Barrichello   Honda            (M) +    53.337
 5.  M.Schumacher  Ferrari          (B) +    53.880
 6.  Fisichella    Renault          (M) +  1:02.072
 7.  Heidfeld      BMW-Sauber       (M) +     1 lap
 8.  R.Schumacher  Toyota           (B) +     1 lap

Fastest race lap: M.Schumacher, 1:15.143
Qualifying best: Raikkonen, Q2, 1:13.532

Weather

Temperatures should be consistent, but it is going to be a lottery with scattered showers over the coming week. This is likely to interfere with the usual rubbering in of the very green track, even if the showers don't actually arrive during a session.

Strategy

With even the extra-soft tyres being harder than those used last year, there is the potential for a single stop strategy. This is a useful way to make up places, though it's unlikely to work for the race winner. Most drivers should be running a two-stop race.

The rules require both tyre compounds to be used during the race. Some teams are struggling to get the 'soft' compound working whilst the car is dialled in for the 'extra-soft' tyres, so don't be surprised to see a very short stint from those outfits as they attempt to limit the damage of running with a compound that is not working well with their car.

Conclusions

After two comfortable wins in succession, Massa arrives as the bookies' favourite this weekend, followed closely by defending Champion Alonso, Raikkonen and Hamilton: sensible, as Ferrari and McLaren teams are well-matched, and both have two drivers capable of winning races.

BMW-Sauber is a close third, and will be looking to pick up on any mistakes made by the front-runners to get on to the podium. They are now paying more attention to the teams behind, since Red Bull came close to their pace in Spain, and both their drivers are particularly useful at Monaco.

If there is going to be a surprise from a lower order team this year, then this is the most likely circuit for it. That said, the competition is tough. Perhaps Sutil has the talent to drag his Spyker up to the points, but it would be an extraordinary feat!

A Lap of Monaco with Lewis Hamilton

"So first you have Turn 1, which is quite a bumpy corner; you are braking uphill and you can't really see, as there are a couple of trees hanging over the track, which creates a shadow as you come into the straight before coming into the sun.

"This is quite a slow corner and very, very tight, so if you get the car loose under braking and lose the back end, you are going straight into the wall. As a result it can be quite difficult, and you have to use a bit of the kerb.

"Coming out of Turn 1, you go up into the long uphill Beau Rivage Straight, which is really cool. Here you have a fast left and a fast right, and then you come round into Casino Bend, which just seems like it goes on forever.

"Coming around that bend, the barrier isn't really a nice consistent curve - it sort of bulges, which you have to try and avoid, and it can surprise you each time you come round there. It is very tricky, and if you hit that kerb it just spits you off into the wall, and again it is very bumpy through there.

"Then we come through Mirabeau, which again is very bumpy, and you can't really attack it; you just have to be quite easy through there. The car tends to slide all over the place as it is quite a slow part of the circuit.

"The two hairpins at Mirabeau and the Grand Hotel are the slowest part of the track. This is a good place to overtake, but to get the speed you really need to use the entire road, which is extremely difficult because there is no downforce, as you are going so slow and it is pretty tight.

"To achieve this, you have to use full lock and then you are on the power and unwinding the steering lock and the car is just all over the place.

"Then you get to the most exciting part, which is the tunnel. When you are coming through there, it is just an amazing experience. It is very tight and very quick, but driving through that tunnel in a racing car is something you always want to experience. I remember the first time I drove through there, I just shouted in my helmet as I was so excited.

"The Swimming Pool is a very, very fast chicane and is near enough flat-out. I can only assume in a Formula One car there is a slight lift on the way in. But it is very quick, and again you have to ride both the kerbs and it can be quite harsh. If you hit them wrong, then again you will be in the wall.

"Then you are braking down to a heavy chicane again and on to the Rascasse. This is quite a cool part of the circuit. You can't overtake, but you run a lot of speed in and then you have to get the car stopped and really keep the minimum speed up the whole time, and it is just about getting the right exit and carrying it on down through to the straight."

Team by Team

McLaren Mercedes

A year ago, despite a lack of form for most of their races, McLaren were close to the pace over the course of the weekend, and arguably faster than the race winners, Renault. Poor reliability cost Raikkonen a potential win and definite podium. That Montoya was there to pick up second place was scant consolation.

This year, things are somewhat different. This year, they have a very quick car that is capable of being on the front row at every race, but there are some question marks over race pace. But the team is developing the car fast, looking for an edge over Ferrari.

The Monaco weekend is going to be interesting. Alonso has won a race this year, and already illustrated his ability to win from the front if he can put the car on pole - but he has been struggling to match the pace of his rookie team-mate in qualifying.

Hamilton, exceptionally quick over a single lap, is off the pace in the middle stint - and of course, has never turned a lap of this circuit in an F1 car.

1. Fernando Alonso: Last year Alonso won the race in a Renault that was fastest in qualifying, but arguably slower than McLaren or Ferrari on race pace - now he is with McLaren, he will be looking to repeat the trick, though outpacing his young team-mate is going to be a challenge. This is a chance to show the qualities that took him to the last two championships.

2. Lewis Hamilton: There is a lot of media interest in the Briton, who is currently leading the Championship, despite waiting to win his first race. Nonetheless, he has to be considered a very realistic chance, considering his ability to qualify well on heavy fuel, then make more places up off the start line.

Objectives: At least one car on the front row, and both on the podium.

Heikki Kovalainen © LAT

Renault

Last year's winner, taking pole (admittedly after Schumacher's penalty) and controlling the race with Alonso, Fisichella took risks and made passes as he strove to make his way back from ninth to score points; the team were not the fastest, yet they scored thirteen points.

A year later, and they will do well to score at all. The Spain weekend was one of their best so far for qualifying, but both drivers had to make extra stops after fuel rig failures, costing valuable points.

The car is improving, with new front suspension improving turn-in (particularly important in Monaco) and revised aerodynamics improving grip and wear, but they are going to need the leading teams to drop the ball in order to have any guarantee of scoring this time out.

3. Giancarlo Fisichella: Having driven around handling and balance issues all season, Fisichella is pleased that the car is growing more consistent, which should let him lean on it more effectively. In his current form, he should be able to chase points. 4. Heikki Kovalainen: The recent changes to the car ought to help Kovalainen continue to improve his race day pace - his qualifying form is clearly better than it was at the start of the season. If he learns Monaco quickly, then he might well give Fisichella a hard time.

Objectives: Get at least one car in to Q3 and both in to the points.

Ferrari

A year ago, arriving as favourites, Schumacher was sent to the back of the grid for an irregularity in qualifying. He proceeded to work his way through the grid to finish an impressive fifth, going part-way to parting the clouds cast by qualifying. Massa, meanwhile, struggled.

This year, Massa is in fantastic form whilst Raikkonen is almost as quick as he continues to settle in; the car is possibly a fraction quicker than the McLaren chassis - but the difference between them is marginal in qualifying, if not over the full race distance.

Considering Ferrari's overall pace, particularly their pace in the middle of the race, they have to be considered favourites to win this weekend - though McLaren might be very quick in qualifying.

5. Felipe Massa: Having rarely had a good race weekend in Monaco, it is possible that Massa may have a difficult time ahead. On the other hand, he is arriving with two pole-to-flag wins under his belt and on the top of his game. If he can keep it off of the barriers, he is a contender.

6. Kimi Raikkonen: Always quick at Monaco, it would be disappointing if Raikkonen is unable to step up his game and at least match Massa here. The Finn should be a threat for both pole and the race win.

Objectives: Lock out the front row in qualifying and finish with both cars on the podium.

Rubens Barrichello © LAT

Honda

Last year, the car was simply falling away from its early competitive form, yet the team still came away with fourth, though the result was partially a result of attrition to those ahead.

Things are looking worse this year - the car is miles off the pace and struggling to match the pace of its 'B-team', Super Aguri.

That said, the break before Spain allowed the team to get to grips with some of their problems. They are clearly making progress - while still not looking like Q3 prospects, at least they have a chance to match Super Aguri!

Having tested aerodynamic upgrades for the next race, the team seems to have made further progress, but so are those around them. Being able to beat their junior outfit has to be top of the to-do list, though.

7. Jenson Button: A little hit and miss at Monaco, Button goes very well here when the car is completely predictable, but falls off quite quickly unless he is completely confident in the package. If the recent upgrades have delivered as much predictability as the team suggest, then he should perform on a par with Barrichello this weekend.

8. Rubens Barrichello: Comfortably outperformed Button in Monaco last year, and likely to do the same again. The Brazilian is very quick on this circuit and can usually be expected to get the absolute maximum out of the package.

Objectives: Get the cars in to Q2 and aim for points. Beat Super Aguri, at least!

BMW Sauber

Last year the team struggled in qualifying, filling the eighth row, yet Heidfeld managed an excellent start and brought home a couple of points - an example to all of the importance of good strategy and persistence.

In Spain this year, a mistake in the pit-stops was unfortunate, and coupled with a gearbox issue possibly cost the team a podium finish. Nonetheless, they still had a fourth place. Comfortably the third-best outfit on track, they are a solid threat in Monaco. Provided the team really have ironed out their gearbox issues, this should be a very good weekend ahead.

9. Nick Heidfeld: Comfortably showing his inexperienced team-mate the way this year - it took a problematic pit-stop to bring Heidfeld down in Spain. The German is capable of scoring a podium finish, given any weakness from the two front-running teams.

10. Robert Kubica: Having finally brought home some points, Kubica has had his confidence restored and might be an interesting threat in Monaco. The extra-soft tyres are likely to help his aggressive style in qualifying, though he may struggle with wear on race day. If he can keep it off the wall, he should be expecting to score points.

Objectives: Get both cars in to Q3 and scoring points finishes.

Jarno Trulli © LAT

Toyota

The 2006 Monaco event was something of a non-event for Toyota. Trulli ran well, threatening a strong finish until his car failed, whilst Ralf Schumacher did nothing all day and still came up with a point.

This season, the car is a little better, but so is the competition. They managed to get a car to the final qualifying session in Spain and show some reasonable race pace, but they are struggling with reliability issues.

Although the team will have new components for this race, the biggest step forward they can make will come from the drivers. Qualifying pace is starting to look positive, so finding a couple of clear laps in each session ought to see them make strong progress. Race pace is not bad either, so points are definitely in order if they can bring the cars home.

11. Ralf Schumacher: Completely overshadowed by his team-mate so far this year, it is hard to see Schumacher reversing his fortunes this weekend - particularly considering that Trulli usually goes particularly well in Monaco.

12. Jarno Trulli: Simply being a qualifying specialist would usually be an advantage in itself, but Trulli races strongly here too. It would be no surprise to discover him well in the points as the race unfolds.

Objectives: Get both cars in to the top ten in qualifying, and points on race day.

Red Bull Racing

A year ago, Coulthard scored the team's first podium finish at Monaco, after being both quick and reliable all weekend. The result was influenced by significant attrition from those ahead, but nothing changes the fact that he was there to pick up the dropped pieces.

The last outing, in Spain, saw the team back in point-scoring form - they looked good en route to fifth, despite some gearbox issues.

The team has had reliability problems, but they are getting to grips with their new chassis and clearly finding more pace from it. They are now threatening to score points each time they go out - provided they can make the finish. From the evidence in Spain, they have some claim to being close to BMW-Sauber in performance. One thing they can be sure of - both drivers are very strong at Monaco!

14. David Coulthard: After a podium finish last year, Coulthard has to be hoping for a repeat this time around, though he can expect more competition from his team-mate and still needs attrition from the leading outfits to get there.

15. Mark Webber: Looking all weekend like finishing on the podium in 2006 before reliability let him down, it would be no surprise to see Webber running at the front this weekend - or his car letting him down when he should be scoring points ...

Objectives: Qualify in the top ten and score good points. Target a podium.

Alex Wurz © LAT

Williams

A highlight and a low point, the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix was a mixed bag for Williams. Webber missed out on pole and raced for second before his car failed, costing a certain podium. Rosberg's strategy did not work out, landing him in the middle of a bunch of slow runners before he, too, suffered a failure.

Despite posing less of a threat to the frontrunners this year, the team has been putting together consistent performances. Sixth place in Spain was a solid result, if influenced by attrition ahead.

16. Nico Rosberg: Last season Rosberg struggled to make much of the car, whilst his experienced team-mate always looked like finishing on the podium. Whilst the youngster has been showing far better this year, expecting a lot more from this circuit, out of all of them, is a tall order.

17. Alex Wurz: Dismal race weekends have done nothing for Wurz, who is in danger of watching his ride disappear, however good his testing abilities. Beating Rosberg may not be something he can do regularly, but he absolutely has to get closer to him.

Objectives: Get at least one car in to Q3 and fight for points.

Toro Rosso

In Spain there were moments of speed, but the car seems to be very fragile - both drivers retired, although one was the result of a puncture.

Since then, Speed demonstrated in testing that the car is capable of putting on a good turn of speed, but reliability continues to be questionable. Whether the car is going to be robust enough to last the distance over the tough streets of Monaco is going to be the big question.

18. Vitantonio Liuzzi: Currently holding a comfortable advantage over his team-mate in qualifying, Liuzzi can turn up the pressure considerably by beating him again. On race day, looking after the car to make the finish is going to be the order of the day, which could compromise race pace.

19. Scott Speed: Perhaps the extra-soft tyres will suit Speed's style better and allow him to improve relative to his team-mate. If so, he could do well in qualifying. However, that would also mean that he is likely to struggle to look after them as well on race day, which would be a problem.

Objectives: Get the cars out of Q3 and both to the finish.

Adrian Sutil © LAT

Spyker

Last year, running as Midland, the drivers qualified on the ninth row, then came together off the start line. Albers earned a penalty for his part, but still finished ahead of a Toro Rosso and a BMW after racing strongly.

It was a dismal showing for Spyker in Spain; they qualified badly and raced worse - it cannot get much lower for the Dutch outfit. On the positive side, in Monaco the drivers will be able to make more of a difference, which might allow them to lift the performance, particularly over a race distance. Scoring points will require mayhem on the track, so they have to be hoping for rain.

20. Christijan Albers: Struggling with the new Bridgestone tyres, Albers has been fighting to make an impression this year. He believes he is adapting, moderating his aggressive style to match the harder rubber, but it still seems likely he will have trouble containing his team-mate.

21. Adrian Sutil: Current holder of the F3 lap record in Monaco, if there is a driver who can lift the performance of a tail-end package, the indicators are that this is the rookie to do it. This may well be the German's best chance of the year to attract the attention of a front-running outfit.

Objectives: Show progress and get both cars to the finish.

Super Aguri

A year ago, the Super Aguri outfit was just starting to close the gap on the competition, showing evidence that they really didn't want to cruise around for the year. One car finished seventeenth, the other retired with electrical problems.

What a difference a year makes. Two weeks ago, the team scored their first point when Sato beat the Renault of Fisichella to eighth place in Spain. They have hired Rossiter to join their testing program, and posted some decent times testing at Paul Ricard as they tested a new aero package. Needless to say, there is some optimism for the weekend ahead.

22. Takuma Sato: Having scored in Spain, Sato has to see this weekend as another opportunity to score points. The Japanese driver has put in some strong performances in the past, which means any real attrition amongst the front runners could put them back in the points.

23. Anthony Davidson: Davidson has struggled to match his experienced team-mate, and there is little reason to believe that will change in Monaco. The Englishman is young, and still settling in, but he needs to get a move on if he is to make an impression.

Objectives: Score another point!