Monaco GP: Sauber preview

Sauber Petronas Monaco Grand Prix preview

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"No other circuit is like Monaco. Its unusual format poses unique challenges to the drivers. It is a very tight street track with only short straights, so downforce is paramount. Here, we use the absolute maximum that we can generate."

"Perfect mechanical setting is also vital; you need good mechanical grip and traction in the numerous slow and medium-speed corners. Brake stability is also crucial, particularly when the driver is generating almost 5g under deceleration for the chicane. It is especially important for the drivers and the team to work very closely together in practice and qualifying to perfect the cars' mechanical set-ups, because track conditions are here changing more than on any other race track. In recent weeks further development of our hydraulic differential and traction and launch control systems should pay dividends in this area this weekend."

"Monaco is also a gruelling race for the drivers because there is never any point on the circuit where they can relax, and there is no space if they go off the perfect line."

Nick Heidfeld (39 GPs, 5 World Championship points):

"Monte Carlo is my favourite circuit. That's not just because I have some fond memories from past successes there, but also because it is one of those places where you have to be precise, accurate and consistent lap after lap. When you get a strong result at Monaco, you know you have driven a good race."

Felipe Massa (6 GPs, 3 World Championship points):

"For any racing driver, competing in your first Monaco Grand Prix is a major milestone. I am really looking forward to this race, and to the chance to increase my points score, especially as we have done a lot of good work recently on the Sauber Petronas C21 to prepare it for this unique circuit."

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