Saturday, May 18, 2013

Raikkonen: Lotus focusing on qualifying for Monaco GP


Kimi Raikkonen, Monaco Grand Prix, 2012
Lotus focusing improve the qualifying pace for tricky Monaco Grand Prix on this weekend, following the five round battle in this season Lotus struggled in single lap performance, but they keep up the performance in race and took one top podium and four times finish inside on top three.

Following a tricky Monaco Grand Prix last year, Lotus' trackside operations director Alan Permane says that they will fight with upgrade package especially new front wing for difficult street race.

“Similar to Barcelona, we will be bringing a new rear wing which follows the same concept as the one we ran in Monaco last year. There will also be a new front wing and some modifications to the floor, so plenty to keep us occupied.” Alan Permane said

“We’re confident in the upgrade package for this race and the car has worked well at every circuit so far this season, so there’s no reason it won’t be strong here.” He added

Raikkonen was win Monaco Grand Prix in 2005 with McLaren from Pole, the Finn hints that Monaco GP is challenging, very difficult and also overtaking is almost impossible. As his outfit more focusing on improves qualifying pace for front row starts.

“It’s useless to put races in different categories, because all of them are as important as each other if you want to win a championship. However, as a real special race there is nothing like Monaco; there is no better feeling than to get things going well there.” Raikkonen said.

“To race in the streets of Monte Carlo is really different from everywhere else and it’s a challenge I look forward to every year. It is very, very difficult - almost impossible in fact - to have a clean weekend down there. I’ve only managed to get it right once before and you really experience the greatest feeling you can get by winning it. My win in 2005 ranks up there with my most memorable, so to win it again would be just as special.

“It’s such a narrow, twisty track; you have to be extra sharp and focused through every single metre. It gives such a good feeling; a fast lap around Monaco. Overtaking is almost impossible, so to really enjoy racing there you have to be in the front. We have to focus on qualifying. It’s a difficult place to race as it’s so narrow and - as I said before - passing is nearly impossible.” The Finn added.

Images © Lotus
at