2007 MONACO GRAND PRIX PREVIEW
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes arrives in the Principality of
Monaco next week for the most glamorous and among one of the
most challenging dates on the Formula 1 calendar. The streets
of Monte Carlo will host their 65th Grand Prix, with the proximity
of the spectators to the circuit leading to a thrilling assault
on the senses as 22 V8 engines reverberate around the shortest
track of the year.
The team arrives in Monaco having extended its lead in the
Constructors’ Championship to nine points following
the double podium finish in the Spanish Grand Prix. Lewis
Hamilton and Fernando Alonso also head the Drivers’
table, Lewis with 30 points and Fernando on 28.
FAST FACTS
What are the set-up challenges that come from the
nature of the Monaco track?
The Monaco Grand Prix is the only race run solely on a track
formed of public roads. This in itself provides a number of
challenges, such as the unusual camber with the track peaking
in the middle and dropping down to the gutters on either side
of the road, manhole covers and the white lines. This does
not see the team use a higher ride height than normal, instead
a more compliant suspension set-up will be fitted to the MP4-22s
of Fernando and Lewis. The tight, twisty nature of the track
means that the highest downforce of the season can be used,
to allow for greater performance through all the corners without
compromising speed on the straights, as there is no section
of the track that needs this capability. The lack of straights
however, does require use of the maximum cooling package available.
The constant cornering also demands good front end grip for
exact positioning.
How will the use of the two Bridgestone Potenza compounds
impact on the streets of Monte Carlo?
The difference in the performance of the prime and the option
Bridgestone Potenza tyres is expected to be moderately wide
in Monaco. Because the grip levels offered by the circuit
are very low, the ideal is to run with the softest tyres possible.
This has the potential to lead to some interesting strategies
across the field as all the teams aim to maximise the use
of the option tyre.
Why is Monaco as a venue synonymous with the McLaren
marque?
The history of McLaren at the Monaco Grand Prix stretches
back to 1966, when founder Bruce McLaren took to the track
in the M2B for the team’s debut race. In the 41 years
since, the team has won the renowned Grand Prix 13 times,
which is more than any of its competitors. Alain Prost took
the debut win in 1984, beginning a winning streak that was
to last until 1993, with the exception of 1987. During this
time, Ayrton Senna took the chequered flag in first position
on five occasions, taking his tally of victories at the race
up to a record of six. Since Mercedes-Benz have been involved
with the marque, the team has taken four victories on the
streets of Monte Carlo.
TEAM QUOTES
Fernando Alonso
"Monaco is another of those races that, at the start
of the year, you mark as one that you really want to win.
I took the victory at the Grand Prix last year, and although
it was an emotional weekend, it was an amazing feeling, one
that I will race hard to try and repeat again this season
with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. I have not had the results
I have wanted at the previous two races, however I have kept
scoring good points and we have continued to develop the performance
of the car. At Monaco you have to really keep your concentration
at all times and push to the limit. It is very easy for things
to go wrong at this track because it is very narrow and the
barriers are very close, and this is why you have to stay
focused. Because of the barriers and the need to be very accurate,
you do have to use a slightly different driving style here
to perform well over the weekend. You tend to be less aggressive
in the braking zones. You also need to set the car up with
a responsive front, so that you can be on the throttle as
early as possible in the middle section of the corner without
waiting for the car to turn, it is ways like this that you
can find the milliseconds that you need at Monaco."
Lewis Hamilton
"I am really looking forward to Monaco. It is one of
the tracks I have always dreamed of racing at in Formula 1,
particularly having competed there for the past two seasons
in the F3 Euroseries and GP2. For me it is the best circuit
of the year, there is nowhere like it for getting the adrenaline
going, because the track is so tight and there are no run-off
areas, you have to be incredibly precise, there is no room
for error and as a driver that makes it all the more exciting.
I have always run well at Monaco, having won there on my previous
two visits to the race. I am going to the race again this
year with the intention of fighting for the win, but that
is the case at everything I compete in. However we do have
to keep being realistic, this will be my fifth race in Formula
1 and I am still developing. We have to focus on keeping scoring
points for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’
Championships and take it step by step."
Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula 1, Vodafone McLaren
Mercedes
"For the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team to be arriving
in Monaco, race five of the 2007 World Championship, leading
the Constructors’ title and occupying the top two positions
of the Drivers’ table is incredibly positive and pleasing
for everyone involved. However within the organisation we
expect our performance to be at this level, anything below
is a disappointment, and we are fully focused on continuing
to raise our game. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes test team
completed an intensive four days at the Paul Ricard circuit,
which has focused on set-ups and Bridgestone Potenza tyre
selection for both Monaco and the Canadian Grand Prix, alongside
general aero and mechanical development of the MP4-22. We
have some good feedback and are now looking forward to getting
this to the race track. The nature of the Monaco track demands
excellent mechanical grip, more so than at most circuits and
areas such as aero efficiency have less value. The maximum
downforce is used and a well performing traction control is
beneficial for achieving quick lap times."
Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
"Appearances are deceptive: The shortest circuit (3.34
kms) with the lowest average speed (150 km/h), the shortest
race distance (260 kms) and the slowest corner (about .45
km/h) is always the greatest challenge of the Formula 1 season;
therefore, the Monaco race is rightly considered the most
important Grand Prix of the year. First of all, this is because
of the unparalleled and challenging track layout along the
city streets including a tunnel passage, where you reach more
than 280 km/h at the exit. However, also the race’s
tradition, the glamour and the world wide attention make this
Grand Prix a unique one. In 2007, the Monaco race will be
staged for the 65th time. Since our first victory in 1998,
we are the most successful team here with four race wins.
In their first season with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Fernando
and Lewis also have good memories of Monte Carlo. Fernando
won last year’s Grand Prix, Lewis won the GP2 race here
in 2006 and both Formula 3 Euro Series races the year before.
However, we all are aware that this is the past, and that
the 2007 race will be a bigger and more competitive challenge
than all races before."
MONACO TRACK INFORMATION
Circuit length 3.340 km / 2.075 miles
Race distance 260.520 km / 161.887 miles
Laps 78
Number of corners 19
Inaugural race 1929
VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES STATISTICS
Fernando Lewis Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Race Starts 92 4 618
Race Wins 16 n/a 149
Pole Positions 15 n/a 125
Points 409 30 3207.5
Podiums 40 4 400
Fastest Laps 8 1 131
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