Monaco specialists

[jens]

The so-called drivers circuit hosts the next Grand Prix and I guess that it's time to discuss about "Monaco specialists" - drivers, who more or less manage to shine every year and put their machinery up higher than expected. Five such names spring to mind immediately that I suppose we should follow carefully next weekend: Räikkönen, Trulli, Fisichella, Coulthard, Webber. Even if on other circuits they haven't been able to be competitive, then at Monaco they have succeeded.

Räikkönen: Qualified crap McLaren up to fifth in 2004, was truly dominant in 2005 and looked even faster than Alonso last year in arguably an inferior car. I suppose that he is one of the favourites and this is the circuit, where it's quite likely to see him as Ferrari's number one. But team-mate Massa is a bit of unknown quantity though - last year ruined his chances in qualifying and for the whole race we didn't see that how quick he really can be. He was 5th in 2004, but mainly thanks to retirements.

Trulli: There has been discussion about his Monaco drives in another topics. When he was driving for Prost, then I think his Monaco races were the first ones, where I really noticed him. Before that I just knew, that there is a guy named Trulli in F1 and I basically knew nothing more, but when drivers were racing at Monaco, then I wondered that how did he manage to put this car that high up.

Fisichella: I think he has been a bit unlucky in his Renault years at Monaco. In 2005 he was running 3rd before tyres worn off. Last year he got penalized after quali, which dropped him to P10 and after that he got stuck behind someone for most of the race in spite of passing 3 drivers on track. But at the end of the race, when he was in free water, he managed to keep Schumacher's speed quite well, who was the fastest at that time! He has finished on podium for twice. He has also shone in crap cars. In 2001 he qualified 10th in that hopeless Benetton and could have scored points if he hadn't hit the wall at Ste Devote. And in 2003 he qualified 12th in an awful Jordan and finished 10th only because there were no losses among the top teams.

Coulthard: In 90s he really managed nothing special at Monaco. He got one second place in '96, but largely thanks to retirements and got beaten by Panis in an inferior car in the process. His Monaco reputation comes mainly during from years 2000-2002. Then he was out of pace in 2003-2004 again only to start shining in Red Bull.

Webber: His Monaco reputation derives probably mainly from last year, when he managed to drive truly an incredible race, which was maybe even the most outstanding performance of his career. But also in Jaguar in 2003 he was driving 9th as best of the rest behind top teams until retirement. And it's also worth mentioning that the only podium place of his career has been achieved at Monaco.

What about others? Heidfeld has also been quick, but as he is so consistent, then he hasn't shone at Monaco more than on other circuits. But nonetheless the best result of his career is also achieved at Monaco plus finished 7th in a crap Jordan back in 2004. Alonso hasn't been poor at Monaco, but he hasn't managed to shine either. Probably he'll make another solid race.

It's tough to rate youngsters, but what about them?
Hamilton won GP2 race last year there - may that be some kind of a sign? Liuzzi finished 10th last year, which marked a decent result - may he achieve something similar again?

In the past the driver skills used to come out more than they do now. In 1991 Stefano Modena qualified in an incredible second only to retire from the same position. In 1996 many were amused by Schumacher's pole in an inferior car. In 1998 Fisichella (Q3, R2) and Salo (Q8, R4) were quite outstanding. In 2000 Trulli qualified 2nd and Alesi 7th in a crap Prost, alas both had to retire from the same positions. In 2000-2001 Irvine scored his best positions at Monaco: 4th and 3rd. But it seems that after the permission of traction control the number of outstanding performances has reduced and the strength of teams/cars have been quite similar to other circuits unless Monaco has been a very suitable circuit for a team that usually wasn't that good on other tracks like Renault in 2004. Webber's performance was quite unbelievable last year, but we also can't ignore that the circuit really suited Williams-Cosworth: Rosberg was running 6th during the first stint and probably would have gone faster if he hadn't been stuck behind Barrichello.

So what can we expect from this year's race? Probably the best cars like Ferrari and McLaren will be in the front again. But what might happen behind them? May that bunch of 'specialists' - JT, GF, MW, DC - interfere BMWs? Ibid last years have shown that cars with powerful engines have been very competitive (like Williams-Cosworth in 2006 or Williams-BMW in 2005) and as arguably BMW has one of the best engines at the moment, then may they interfere McLaren and Ferrari? How can last year's revelation Williams compete this year with new engine supplier?

What are your thoughts? Will anyone, who hasn't managed to shine so far this year, surprise us? And the answer may be either a team or a driver.

[ioan]

I say Heidfeld will be strong, he's simply that good a racer.
DC will be good too based on previous years and also on his recent form.
I don't know about Kimi and Felipe though.

And of course Hamilton and Kubica might give us a surprise.

[Storm]

Heidfeld could be really good there..Also I have feeling Kimi might do well (if the car holds up :erm: )

Alonso needs a good result (better than Hamilton and Massa for sure)

Have to keep an eye on Trulli, he did qualify higher up in Barcelona and Monaco is a place where he can really go quick and get the car higher up th grid and stay there inspite of not having a quick car.

[cinnamon33]

Massa has never shone in Monaco, but this year that might change looking at his actual form.

I agree with ioan, that Hamilton and Kubica might surprise us all in Monaco.

I think Kimi will shine there once again.

[F1boat]

Raikkonen and Hamilton are favourites to win the race ahead of Alonso, I think. If Massa proves me wrong and wins again, I don't know, I'll will be even more amazed by him.

[NoahsGirl]

I do have a feeling in my water that Hamilton will win the Monaco GP. As the general rule at Monaco is expect the unexpected - who knows what will happen!

[GridGirl]

I think ITV said during the race on Sunday that Hamilton has never lost a race at Monaco. It would be an awesome race and record if he won but I think a ferrari will win.

Coulthard will score points, and both Williams might actually finish.

[futuretiger9]

Trulli should be reasonably high up in qualifying, due to his finesse and delicacy. The race will be a different story for him.

I would expect DC to produce another strong showing. He always goes well at Monaco, and Red Bull appear to be making some progress.

[rohanweb]

I bet, Lewis Hamilton will win the Monaco race at the principality as he has so far been in the front-row like quali's and never lost a race there before, I believe he is a serious contender for a win...and what about DC ? I love to see on the podium once more ;)

[blakebeatty]

It would be a monumental first win on a resume

[Hawkmoon]

This race, baring accidents, will be decided on Saturday. Which ever drivers qualify on the front row will be the ones with a chance to win the race.

So far this year Massa has been peerless in qualifying so I wouldn't bet against him. He knows how to qualify well and win from the front.

Hamilton won't win unless McLaren allow him to qualify lighter than he has done so far this year.

Kimi won't win unless he sorts himself out in qualifying.

I have no idea what's going on with Alonso. He may produce a blinder but he may also continue to be off the pace as he has been the last two races.

The others have no chance unless the 4 above all strike problems.

On another note, I think one of the best drives I have seen at Monaco was Barrichello in the Stewart in '97. The car was bloody terrible but he finished second to Schumi in the wet.

[Valve Bounce]

This race, baring accidents, will be decided on Saturday. Which ever drivers qualify on the front row will be the ones with a chance to win the race.

So far this year Massa has been peerless in qualifying so I wouldn't bet against him. He knows how to qualify well and win from the front.

Hamilton won't win unless McLaren allow him to qualify lighter than he has done so far this year.

Kimi won't win unless he sorts himself out in qualifying.

I have no idea what's going on with Alonso. He may produce a blinder but he may also continue to be off the pace as he has been the last two races.

The others have no chance unless the 4 above all strike problems.

On another note, I think one of the best drives I have seen at Monaco was Barrichello in the Stewart in '97. The car was bloody terrible but he finished second to Schumi in the wet.


Of course, there is always the possibility of the infamous armco kiss at Monaco, then there is the issue of reliability which will have something to do with the finishing order.

[Ranger]

Webber will qualify pretty well I should think. Hence, he should finish the race in a good position too.

(Barring mechanical failures on saturday and sunday... somehow unlikely).

[pino]

Give Jarno a competitive car and none will beat him in Monaco :p :

[Valve Bounce]

Give Jarno a competitive car and none will beat him in Monaco :p :

Ya got it, pino. We'll put him in the Super Aguri - he can swap with Taku for the one race. :p :

[ioan]

Ferrari's longer wheelbase won't be of much help there (I won't say it will be a handicap but...).

[ShiftingGears]

One of the Ferrari men said to look out for their drivers having to make a three point turn at Loews Hairpin, so we better keep our eyes peeled :p :

[millencolin]

gie webber a car that wont break, and this could be red bulls best chace for victory this year

[longisland]

One of the Ferrari men said to look out for their drivers having to make a three point turn at Loews Hairpin, so we better keep our eyes peeled :p :

It happened last year.....

[Valve Bounce]

One of the Ferrari men said to look out for their drivers having to make a three point turn at Loews Hairpin, so we better keep our eyes peeled :p :


As ioan pointed out, this is a legacy of the long wheel base. Those cars cannot go round that corner at any speed. Of course, I tried it with a 5 metre long camper van two months ago, and had no problem negotiating that corner, and probably at a much higher speed than the famous SchM effort last year. :rolleyes;

[Flat.tyres]

hawkmoon. very good points apart from the qualifying one. There is not a stipulation on qualifying and it would be almost impossible to manage. all drivers give it 100% so it could all depend.

strategy could be an issue with tyres and fuel. I wonder.........

Alonso is going to be fired up. no doubt. thats not always the best thing in the principality especially for qualifying. if i had to predict, i would say a front row of lewis and kimi. I just see Alonso and Massa being a bit too hot in qual.

look out for Nick, DC and Button as well. this track suits them.

[Valve Bounce]

Can't see bunsen getting anywhere at Monaco at all. I'm willing to bet my sig on this one - any takers?

[Flat.tyres]

I dont smoke mate but ill bet you a beer if i ever go to aus.

Monoco neesds a smooth fast driver and button is certainly that. you dont need the fastest car there but consistent driving which is why i think he will do better than in previous races. (plus the fact he doesnt need to overtake ;) )

[Valve Bounce]

I dont smoke mate but ill bet you a beer if i ever go to aus.

Monoco neesds a smooth fast driver and button is certainly that. you dont need the fastest car there but consistent driving which is why i think he will do better than in previous races. (plus the fact he doesnt need to overtake ;) )


hehe!! sig stands for signature - something that we will have to wear if we lose the bet here; just a fun tradition we used to have in our forum.

OK, so you'll take bunsen - how about if I back ant? Now you won't get a better deal than that anywhere else.

[Flat.tyres]

hehe!! sig stands for signature - something that we will have to wear if we lose the bet here; just a fun tradition we used to have in our forum.

OK, so you'll take bunsen - how about if I back ant? Now you won't get a better deal than that anywhere else.

well, i dont know how you do it but i will bet that jenson has the edge over Anthony even in an inferior car on this particular track.

[jens]

Button was lapped by Barrichello last year, wasn't he?

Two more observations:
1) Surely some guys will complain about traffic after qualifying. 22 cars on track in 15 minutes - someone has to be a victim on such a tight street circuit!

2) The safety car rule might really destroy races of a few people if the SC comes out as it has happened in the last two years. This seems to be the main way, how a third team manages to get into Top3 as a McLaren and a Ferrari will be thrown to the back...

[Valve Bounce]

well, i dont know how you do it but i will bet that jenson has the edge over Anthony even in an inferior car on this particular track.


OK, this is how it will work. If bunsen beats ant, then I will wear "Bunsen kicked ant's ass" for 31 days on my sig. And if ant beats bunsen, then you have to wear "ant kicked bunsen's ass" on your sig for 31 days. Agreed?

[Flat.tyres]

OK, this is how it will work. If bunsen beats ant, then I will wear "Bunsen kicked ant's ass" for 31 days on my sig. And if ant beats bunsen, then you have to wear "ant kicked bunsen's ass" on your sig for 31 days. Agreed?

I really haven't got a clue what your on about but neither of the drivers reallly interest me much but if it keeps you happy. whatever :)

ants a good aggressive driver but not really suited to this sort of track. he tends to be a bit more ragged and on the edge than button where button is very fast and smooth but sometimes lacks that killer edge that ant has.

if you combined the 2 of them, you would get a lewis :)

[Dazz9908]

Webber Will do well if the car holds together!

[keysersoze]

This race, baring accidents, will be decided on Saturday.

Unless they changed procedures, isn't Saturday an off day? :confused:

[aryan]

I really haven't got a clue what your on about but ...

hmmm, it seems we should be educating some of our new members on the fine tradition of sig betting! :D

[jas123f1]

Somewhere deep in my heart I would like to see DC to shine ones more. :D

He was out counted of many of us (me too) but has shown a good fighting spirit all these years. I wouldn’t cry if he get a podium result ones more and Monaco is a good chance for that – I think.. The others are hopefully Kimi and Massa … Hamilton?? Who knows? The guy is possible the most talent rookie newer .. :D

[Hawkmoon]

Unless they changed procedures, isn't Saturday an off day? :confused:

They have Friday off. For some reason they have the usual Friday practice sessions on Thursday at Monaco.

[Bezza]

Depends if it rains...

Monaco is a weird track. Quite often you get usually inferior cars fighting above their weight, like Webber last year. If you have a car good round slow corners, you've got an advantage. Outright speed doesn't matter really. I expect the usual top 4 of McLaren and Ferrari to be broken by someone.

[BDunnell]

I think Coulthard could have a very good chance at Monaco.

[Valve Bounce]

I really haven't got a clue what your on about but neither of the drivers reallly interest me much but if it keeps you happy. whatever :)



Well, it keeps me from falling asleep during the race. :(
But you did say that this track suits Button and I just thought we'd keep our interest alive. These guys used to be sparring partners from way back.

I know that Hamilton would be expected to do better - he is in a bloody good car, and he is a bloody good driver as well.

On a differrent note, I just wonder whether, this year, the chargers will do better or the smarter stayers. Last year, if I remember correctly, certain drivers proved that the no overtaking rule can be overuled :p :

[Valve Bounce]

I think Coulthard could have a very good chance at Monaco.

DC has two chances: slim and fat! :D

[aryan]

Well, it keeps me from falling asleep during the race. :(


In order to keep you awake during the race, would you like to bet on Webber against DC?

[Valve Bounce]

In order to keep you awake during the race, would you like to bet on Webber against DC?

DONE!! :up:

[ShiftingGears]

DC and Webber should be awesome to watch! I predict Webber to win that teammate battle. I wish there were more flowing circuits that are as unforgiving to drivers who go off the circuit.

[F1boat]

IMO DC will smoke Webbo in Monaco!

[Ed]

Think Fisi will do well as well as Coulthard and Hiedfeld!!!!!

[Valve Bounce]

Hey !! F1boat and Ed!! are these bets or just idle chit chat?

[ClarkFan]

OK, with all the talk about Monaco specialists, I have a question. Who among the current drivers tends to use a late apex in cornering? That was Graham Hill's driving style, and he won 5 of his 14 races at Monaco. Even Stewart and Clark couldn't beat Hill at Monaco, so well did the course suit him. So look for the late apex drivers to step up beyond their usual standing. (And, IIRC, Alonso tends to use an early apex.)

ClarkFan

[Valve Bounce]

OK, with all the talk about Monaco specialists, I have a question. Who among the current drivers tends to use a late apex in cornering? That was Graham Hill's driving style, and he won 5 of his 14 races at Monaco. Even Stewart and Clark couldn't beat Hill at Monaco, so well did the course suit him. So look for the late apex drivers to step up beyond their usual standing. (And, IIRC, Alonso tends to use an early apex.)

ClarkFan

Sato?? although sometimes, he forgets to brake, an he hits someone. :p :

[Robinho]

i reckon a Brit 1-2-3-4, Hamilton, DC, Button, Davidson ;) that would be something to see ;)

in all honesty i can see any one of the 4 getting a good result, Button has had great speed at Monaco in the pat (2nd to Trulli, fastest in practice before knocking himself out the year before and missing the race)

DC has a quick car and a good monaco tradition, Hamilton seems to be quick everywhere and has one there twice in lower formulae, davidson is smooth and has done well in BAR/Honda practice before.

also tips for slipping up the order compared to normal form are Webber, Trulli. Heidfield should be quick, Fisi could have a decent one, all means that it could be tight at the front if the normal top 4 aren't able to exert some sort of superiority in this race

[Webslinger]

I find it strange how Flat.tyres seems to think that Davidson will not be suited to the Monaco track. Of all the circuits that Davidson has raced on during the last six years or so since leaving karting, he has excelled on street tracks, and that includes Friday practice sessions in F1.

I have to go with the comment above that all four Brits could score well next weekend, with Davidson giving Super Aguri their biggest points finish to date. Sato might have the edge in the "big balls" stuff, but when it comes to finesse on the tighter tracks, the Brit reverses the position. Even at Pau in 2001 in the same car, Sato had no other option but to agree his team-mate excelled on such tracks.

As to whether Hamilton could win in MOnaco, yes, undoubtedly! I just wish the media would give the guy a breather. Here in the UK there is a programme on TV next Monday at 9pm, called 'Greatest Britons', or similar headlining tosh, and Hamilton is one of the nominees...

Come on, give the guy a break... Next year, when he is F1 Champ, yeah, maybe, but not now after just four races, even if the results so far this year do show a mark of potential greatness.

[Valve Bounce]

i reckon a Brit 1-2-3-4, Hamilton, DC, Button, Davidson ;) that would be something to see ;)



If that happens, I'll wade across Albert Park Lake in the nude!! :eek:
I have more chance of winning that 22 million dollars in the lottery later this month. :rolleyes:

[Flat.tyres]

I find it strange how Flat.tyres seems to think that Davidson will not be suited to the Monaco track. Of all the circuits that Davidson has raced on during the last six years or so since leaving karting, he has excelled on street tracks, and that includes Friday practice sessions in F1.


There are street tracks and street tracks. I never said that he wouldn't do well but that Button was better suited because of his driving style. Ant has the POTENTIAL to beat button, no doubt. hes done it before in carting etc but button has the CONSISTENCY is all I was trying to say. one wheel wrong is all it takes here and Anthony does prefer a slightly more ballsy style of driving to jenson.

[ClarkFan]

If that happens, I'll wade across Albert Park Lake in the nude!! :eek:
I have more chance of winning that 22 million dollars in the lottery later this month. :rolleyes:

Hope the lake is at least waist deep! :eek:


:p

ClarkFan

[wedge]

OK, with all the talk about Monaco specialists, I have a question. Who among the current drivers tends to use a late apex in cornering? That was Graham Hill's driving style, and he won 5 of his 14 races at Monaco. Even Stewart and Clark couldn't beat Hill at Monaco, so well did the course suit him. So look for the late apex drivers to step up beyond their usual standing. (And, IIRC, Alonso tends to use an early apex.)

ClarkFan

Kimi!

Monaco Specialists?

According to the brochure, it's Page & Moy.

[Valve Bounce]

I find it strange how Flat.tyres seems to think that Davidson will not be suited to the Monaco track. Of all the circuits that Davidson has raced on during the last six years or so since leaving karting, he has excelled on street tracks, and that includes Friday practice sessions in F1.

I have to go with the comment above that all four Brits could score well next weekend, with Davidson giving Super Aguri their biggest points finish to date. Sato might have the edge in the "big balls" stuff, but when it comes to finesse on the tighter tracks, the Brit reverses the position. Even at Pau in 2001 in the same car, Sato had no other option but to agree his team-mate excelled on such tracks.

.

PLease don't do a Murray and put the mockers on ant. :(

[Webslinger]

Never have VB and never would... And after speaking to him a couple of weeks ago, it was Monaco that appeared to be exciting him the most so far this year!

[Ian McC]

If that happens, I'll wade across Albert Park Lake in the nude!! :eek:

Will this be posted on youtube? I don't think you will get many viewers :p :

[Timber]

Hamilton won't win unless McLaren allow him to qualify lighter than he has done so far this year.

What are you talking about and what proof do you have ?

[Jimmy Magnusson]

Hamilton won't win unless McLaren allow him to qualify lighter than he has done so far this year.

What are you talking about and what proof do you have ?

Huh? Allow and allow, Hamilton has usually qualified with more fuel than Alonso, hasn't he?

[andreag]

Australia: Hamilton +1 lap fuel, +.262 secs.
Malaysia: Hamilton +2 laps fuel, +.735 secs.
Bahrain: Hamilton -4 laps fuel, -.257 secs.
Spain: Hamilton +2 laps fuel, +.334 secs.

He only qualified lighter once, 4 laps lighter, and he was .257 faster.

[Schultz]

At the very least Hamilton is a solid starter. The run down the the first corner will be pivitol, but honestly, I don't think Hamilton will be in the battle for victory next week. I just got the feeling he'll make one mistake that will cost him dearly.

[millencolin]

i think hamilton will right off his car in qualifying and have to start towards the back

just a hunch

[ArrowsFA1]

I just got the feeling he'll make one mistake that will cost him dearly.

i think hamilton will right off his car in qualifying and have to start towards the back
If anyone's a Monaco "specialist" then it's Hamilton ;) Two wins there in Euro F3, and one last year in GP2. He knows his way around the place ok :cool:

[ioan]

If anyone's a Monaco "specialist" then it's Hamilton ;) Two wins there in Euro F3, and one last year in GP2. He knows his way around the place ok :cool:

It seems that Sutil is also very good there as he did already outqualify Hamilton in Monaco.

[Bezza]

The top four will not be all McLaren and Ferrari in qualifying, AND a non-McLaren or Ferrari will get at least one of the three podium places. Thats all I'm willing to predict but the current lockout will be broken by someone.

[Valve Bounce]

DC!!

[Ari]

Hamilton or Webber.

If RBR can provide a car and a gearbox (and fuel cap!!) to make the distance Webber will be a force.

Shall be interesting to see the performance of the mechanical grip of the RBR.

[Roamy]

stick a fork in webber he is done

newey will bring in a shoe

[aryan]

DONE!! :up:

Valve, I propose to add one clause to our bet:

If either Webber or DC DNF due to mechanical failure, then the bet is off.

Agreed?

[raikk]

The so-called drivers circuit hosts the next Grand Prix and I guess that it's time to discuss about "Monaco specialists" - drivers, who more or less manage to shine every year and put their machinery up higher than expected. Five such names spring to mind immediately that I suppose we should follow carefully next weekend: Räikkönen, Trulli, Fisichella, Coulthard, Webber. Even if on other circuits they haven't been able to be competitive, then at Monaco they have succeeded.

Räikkönen: Qualified crap McLaren up to fifth in 2004, was truly dominant in 2005 and looked even faster than Alonso last year in arguably an inferior car. I suppose that he is one of the favourites and this is the circuit, where it's quite likely to see him as Ferrari's number one. But team-mate Massa is a bit of unknown quantity though - last year ruined his chances in qualifying and for the whole race we didn't see that how quick he really can be. He was 5th in 2004, but mainly thanks to retirements.

Trulli: There has been discussion about his Monaco drives in another topics. When he was driving for Prost, then I think his Monaco races were the first ones, where I really noticed him. Before that I just knew, that there is a guy named Trulli in F1 and I basically knew nothing more, but when drivers were racing at Monaco, then I wondered that how did he manage to put this car that high up.

Fisichella: I think he has been a bit unlucky in his Renault years at Monaco. In 2005 he was running 3rd before tyres worn off. Last year he got penalized after quali, which dropped him to P10 and after that he got stuck behind someone for most of the race in spite of passing 3 drivers on track. But at the end of the race, when he was in free water, he managed to keep Schumacher's speed quite well, who was the fastest at that time! He has finished on podium for twice. He has also shone in crap cars. In 2001 he qualified 10th in that hopeless Benetton and could have scored points if he hadn't hit the wall at Ste Devote. And in 2003 he qualified 12th in an awful Jordan and finished 10th only because there were no losses among the top teams.

Coulthard: In 90s he really managed nothing special at Monaco. He got one second place in '96, but largely thanks to retirements and got beaten by Panis in an inferior car in the process. His Monaco reputation comes mainly during from years 2000-2002. Then he was out of pace in 2003-2004 again only to start shining in Red Bull.

Webber: His Monaco reputation derives probably mainly from last year, when he managed to drive truly an incredible race, which was maybe even the most outstanding performance of his career. But also in Jaguar in 2003 he was driving 9th as best of the rest behind top teams until retirement. And it's also worth mentioning that the only podium place of his career has been achieved at Monaco.

What about others? Heidfeld has also been quick, but as he is so consistent, then he hasn't shone at Monaco more than on other circuits. But nonetheless the best result of his career is also achieved at Monaco plus finished 7th in a crap Jordan back in 2004. Alonso hasn't been poor at Monaco, but he hasn't managed to shine either. Probably he'll make another solid race.

It's tough to rate youngsters, but what about them?
Hamilton won GP2 race last year there - may that be some kind of a sign? Liuzzi finished 10th last year, which marked a decent result - may he achieve something similar again?

In the past the driver skills used to come out more than they do now. In 1991 Stefano Modena qualified in an incredible second only to retire from the same position. In 1996 many were amused by Schumacher's pole in an inferior car. In 1998 Fisichella (Q3, R2) and Salo (Q8, R4) were quite outstanding. In 2000 Trulli qualified 2nd and Alesi 7th in a crap Prost, alas both had to retire from the same positions. In 2000-2001 Irvine scored his best positions at Monaco: 4th and 3rd. But it seems that after the permission of traction control the number of outstanding performances has reduced and the strength of teams/cars have been quite similar to other circuits unless Monaco has been a very suitable circuit for a team that usually wasn't that good on other tracks like Renault in 2004. Webber's performance was quite unbelievable last year, but we also can't ignore that the circuit really suited Williams-Cosworth: Rosberg was running 6th during the first stint and probably would have gone faster if he hadn't been stuck behind Barrichello.

So what can we expect from this year's race? Probably the best cars like Ferrari and McLaren will be in the front again. But what might happen behind them? May that bunch of 'specialists' - JT, GF, MW, DC - interfere BMWs? Ibid last years have shown that cars with powerful engines have been very competitive (like Williams-Cosworth in 2006 or Williams-BMW in 2005) and as arguably BMW has one of the best engines at the moment, then may they interfere McLaren and Ferrari? How can last year's revelation Williams compete this year with new engine supplier?

What are your thoughts? Will anyone, who hasn't managed to shine so far this year, surprise us? And the answer may be either a team or a driver.

Hamilton is undefeated in Monaco.... he will have the best opportunetly to win here me thinks...

[raikk]

If anyone's a Monaco "specialist" then it's Hamilton ;) Two wins there in Euro F3, and one last year in GP2. He knows his way around the place ok :cool:

sorry didn't see that lol.. 100% agreed...

[Valve Bounce]

Valve, I propose to add one clause to our bet:

If either Webber or DC DNF due to mechanical failure, then the bet is off.

Agreed?


We could insitgate a bunsen substitute :D

[ShiftingGears]

Judging by the amount of names dropped in this thread I think we should be instead asking ourselves who isn't a Monaco specialist :p :

[Valve Bounce]

Judging by the amount of names dropped in this thread I think we should be instead asking ourselves who isn't a Monaco specialist :p :

Good point!! It does seem that everyone who is not on the front of the grid these days have been mentioned as Monaco Specialists. I could say Kubica, but then the guy just might end up on the front of the grid then :(

[aryan]

The ones I consider better at Monco:

Kimi, Hamilton, DC, Webber, Hidfield, Truli, the Ant.

The ones I don't consider Monaco specialists:

Massa, Alonso, Sato, Schumacher, Fisichella, Rosberg, Wurz, Albers.


The rest are unknown quantities.

[aryan]

We could insitgate a bunsen substitute :D

Mate, what's it between you and this bunsen? :D You never get tired of this chap, do you? ;)

[OmarF1]

Kovalainen won at Monaco back in two thousand and five at Grand Prix Two World Series.

Just for the record and too recall some good drivers at the principality.

[Valve Bounce]

Valve, I propose to add one clause to our bet:

If either Webber or DC DNF due to mechanical failure, then the bet is off.

Agreed?


I suggest we replace the retiree with Bunsen to keep the dream alive :D

[aryan]

I suggest we replace the retiree with Bunsen to keep the dream alive :D


This is the wierdest bet ever...

OK mate, the first who retires takes Jensen. The second retirement means the deal is off.! :)

[Valve Bounce]

This is the wierdest bet ever...

OK mate, the first who retires takes Jensen. The second retirement means the deal is off.! :)
Okee Dokee!! :)