Formula 1 News

Kimi Raikkonen: “Monaco GP, a legend amongst all the races” 

“For me every race is important for the Championship but as a race there is nothing like the Monaco Grand Prix. To race in the streets of the Principality is really different from everywhere else. It is really difficult to have a perfect weekend here. When you manage it you know the great feeling you get by winning the race here. The race in Monaco is the race and it’s a legend amongst all the races. My success here back in 2005 is perhaps the most memorable of all my races and to win it again would be just as special.”

“The streets of Monte Carlo are very twisty and narrow and you have to be very precise and concentrated on every single metre you go. This year there is even less room for an error now that we don’t have the traction control anymore, especially when in case it rains.”

“In Turkey we missed the most important practice session but this time we hope that we can work without any problems. Especially with everybody being so close, especially in the Qualifying. It’s very important to make a fast lap. Overtaking is almost impossible, so the car has to be set up really well.”

It feels great to make a fast lap here in Monaco, but to do that you need to be in the front. Qualifying well is a priority in Monaco. I always try to get the Pole, because this is the best option for the fight to win the race.

“Last week we had a test at Le Castellet and it went very well. We tried a few new components and improved the car’s setup. The car is stronger at this type of circuit – slow and bendy – compared to last year and I think that Ferrari has made a big step forward in the areas where we weren’t strong last year.”

“It’s always a great atmosphere here in Monaco for the fans and the spectators who enjoy the race weekend 100%. For the teams and us drivers it’s not that easy as there’s lots of confusion and we don’t have any own space to calm down a bit. That makes the challenge even bigger and you have to concentrate even more on the details. I always aim to win and that’s my goal here at the weekend at Monaco. We do our best to get the maximum points in every race.”

“Difficult to say how it will go in the end. Ferrari will be very competitive, but there’s also McLaren and BMW. Having said that Monaco can always be good for a surprise; it’s the most open of all the races this year. Last year we only got one point here. I wasn’t happy that day but in the end it was a very precious point for me.”

source: Ferrari