Monaco GP Prost Acer preview

The seventh round of the F1 2001 Championship, filled with events on and off the track, will take place on the 27th May on the legendary circuit of Monaco. This Grand Prix, which attracts crowds of fans and celebrities, is undoubtly amongst the drivers' favourites. Although this city circuit allows a medium race speed inferior to 150 Km p.h., the narrow and winding streets filled with enthusiastic fans and the magnificent setting give the drivers a unique sensation while posing a great challenge to their skills. The track's technical features, frequent and tight corners and a quite uneven surface, require maximum aerodynamic downforce and a very soft treatment of both engine and suspensions. Traction is essential to allow the drivers to accelerate exiting the corners, without damaging the tyres.

Last week in Valencia, the Prost Acer team conducted an important test session to validate a new aerodynamic development which will be introduced at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Henri Durand - Technical Director

"During our intensive session in Valencia last week, we have tested a new package. We are very happy with the results, for what concerns both the new aerodynamic elements and the new rear suspension. Jean (Alesi), having been able to test it in full, will drive from Thursday practice with the whole package : new front wing, new floor, new lower rear wing and new rear suspension's geometry. Luciano (Burti), who hasn't yet tested the front wing in its latest configuration, will start practice running the old version."

"Monaco is a circuit where overtaking is extremely difficult. As a consequence, the cars performance in qualifying is a key factor to the race's result. Luciano has never raced on this circuit and therefore on Thursday practice his priority will be to cover as many laps as possible rather then focusing on setup work. On the contrary, Jean, who has always done well on this circuit, will concentrate on the cars' setup."

The technical package introduced at Monaco, soon to be followed in the upcoming races by further evolutions, represents a significant step ahead in the development of the AP04 and the team hopes this will be confirmed this weekend with a good result for or team.

-Prost Acer-