“Monaco is a circuit you simply can't compare with any other. It's always got some surprises up its sleeve and the latest team rankings can easily be shaken up here,” said Willy Rampf.
Not exactly something Ferrari wants to hear as they head into the Grand Prix of Monaco next weekend. At the moment Ferrari holds a tight lead of 21 points over McCLaren Mercedes, their biggest competitor. Looking back, Ferrari has yet to win a race in Monaco since the glorious days of Michael Schumacher, and McClaren Mercedes has proved that they can win races here, three since 2001.
So what does all of this mean for the points leader Ferrari? Well, apparently a lot since Ferrari dominated the Turkish Grand Prix last week. Ferrari brought a car to the Turkish Grand Prix that performed well in a straight line and was very balanced under braking. The biggest factor that shows that they have what it take in Monaco is that they were unstoppable through the corners. Monaco is all about the cornering speed and driver skill; with drivers like Massa and Räikkönen, Ferrari will undoubtedly have a driver on the winner’s podium Sunday.
Taking a look back on McClaren's race at the Turkish Grand Prix, we can see that unfortunately they had some problems with tires and they didn’t have a car that could handle the corners as well a Ferrari did. That being said, Lewis Hamilton, McCLaren's top driver, still finished 2nd in Turkey. Undoubtedly McClaren has serious credentials here in Monaco because they have won three races since Ferrari last won here.
Another big contender here will be BMW Sauber, they have worked hard this year and they will not compromise their points standing.
History at the Grand Prix of Monaco says that it is a driver’s favorite. It is a very technical track and the pole position usually determines the winners. Last year there were no changes from 1st to 4th positions during the race, so qualifying is crucial here because there are very few opportunities to pass and even fewer straight-aways. Generally the qualifying order in Monaco shows what the outcome will be at the end of the race.
Ferrari, McClaren Mercedes, and BMW Sauber all have a great chance to win this race, but judging from last week's race, Ferrari has what it takes to make it big in '08 and Felipe Massa is the man to do it here at Monaco.
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2 months ago
I am going with a McLaren 1-2 this weekend ... Think the fact that its not a fast flowing track will work against them, McLaren love this type of track and as you have said its been proven the last few years ... I think the silver arrows dominance here will continue into this season !
Prediction - McLaren will have boys drivers on the podium come 1500 Hrs GMT+1 Sunday 25th May 2008 ... Mark my words ! (I hope I am right, ha ha)
2 months ago
Ferrari's car was good at the Turkish Grand prix, but i have to disagree with your point that the Mclaren couldn't handle the corners as well as the Ferrari, how is it that LH posted fastest lap after fastest lap, and managed to secure 2nd after a 3 stop strategy, overtaking Massa at 1 point then opening up a 7 second lead. As for HK, he encountered a problem at the start so it was hard to see his pace, but he was quick, overtaking midfielders like it was their first race.
2 months ago
Don't get me wrong McCLaren has a very impressive chance at winning this race but based on the race last weekend i think that Ferrari will bring their A game to Monaco. If anyone where to stout Ferrari's dominace this year it would be Lewis Hamilton. But here Qualifying is the key to winning.
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