Monaco 2015 - GP Preview - Sauber Ferrari

This race weekend is different to every other one on the calendar. Tradition is everything there. The Monaco Grand Prix, the sixth round of the FIA Formula 1 Championship, is not only the most prestigious, but also a unique Grand Prix. In the principality the focus for the street circuit will be on high downforce, mechanical grip, and, of course, the drivers’ skills, rather than only engine power. The Sauber F1 Team and its drivers, Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr, look forward to this special event.

Besides the action on the race track during the weekend in Monte Carlo, Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal and CEO of the Sauber F1 Team, will receive the Jean Sage Memorial Award for her contribution to the Grand Prix Drivers Club.

Marcus Ericsson

"The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the season. This street track is a kind of unique place, as it is quite different to other circuits on our calendar. If you are feeling confident in the car you can extract the most out of your skills and the car’s perfomance. It will be crucial, especially for the race, to find a good rhythm from corner to corner and from lap to lap. In previous racing series I have had some strong races in Monaco, so I am looking forward to a positive weekend."

Felipe Nasr

"Monaco is one of the nicest tracks on the calendar, and at the same time the Grand Prix is a very traditional one. It is a track that is very demanding in all areas. From the driver’s side, you need to feel confident in the car to push it to the limit. There are a few things which are important for a good lap time: Good braking stability, traction, as well a generally stable car. Over the days we also need to keep an eye on the grip evolution. All in all I am looking forward to racing in Monaco surrounded by a great atmosphere."

Giampaolo Dall’Ara, Head of Track Engineering

"The race in the narrow streets of Monte Carlo divides opinion as some love it and some don’t, yet everyone finds it fascinating and challenging. It is a real challenge for the drivers, who need to be handed a very precise, stable and smooth car. In order to be fast they’re forced to drive it millimeters away from the barriers. Overtaking is almost impossible, therefore, a good grid position significantly boosts the chances for the race. It is also a challenge for the engineers, who have to deal with issues they seldom encounter, and to the mechanics and support crew, who are forced to work in untypical conditions regarding logistics. It’s less of a challenge to the tyre supplier given that the tarmac is not abrasive, so Pirelli has allocated the appropriate soft and supersoft compounds. The closeness of the fans and the atmosphere around the harbour make it a highlight of the season."