FIA
F3000 International Championship
Round 5 Monaco race preview
Saturday 26th May
THE
JEWEL IN THE CROWN
The
Coca-Cola Nordic Racing team head to Monaco as leaders of both the Drivers
and Team Championships, with an impressive foundation of three wins, four
podiums and one pole position on which to build its fifth round attack on.
Monaco
is a circuit that demands the constant respect of the drivers. One small
error as they brush the metal barriers at speeds of up to 160 miles per
hour could result in the immediate end to their race. Unfortunately, the
only way to set a fast time around the narrow twisting streets of the
principality is to use all of the track, and that means brushing the Armco
is a requisite.
Last
season the Nordic Racing team finished fourth at Monaco. This year the
objective is to go faster and finish higher. Justin Wilson, winner of two
rounds and championship leader explained: “We have started the year so
strongly that anything less than a points finish would be out of the
question. Both myself and my teammate Tomas (Enge), along with the team,
expect strong results in Monaco. To finish in the points would be the very
least that we would accept. As always, qualifying is the single most
important event of the weekend and this is compounded at a place like
Monaco. The track is very narrow and twisty, affording little opportunity
to pass in the race. Therefore we need to be as close to the front of the
grid as possible. A Coca-Cola Nordic Racing one-two, similar to the one we
secured in Spain would be nice!”
The
circuit is overlooked by the Grimaldi castle and the race around the
harbour of Monaco has become the epitome of motor racing splendour – the
jewel in the crown. Team Principal Derek Mower is keen to capitalise on
his team’s early success this season and winning that “jewel” is
something he feels the team are capable of doing. Said Derek: “
Providing our drivers can find the space for their share of clear laps we
should qualify well, but driving within the tight confines of the Monaco
circuit and anticipating all the yellow flags will be difficult for
everyone, we will all have to be alert and do our best.”
Team
Manager Chris Mower added: “ From the moment you walk around the circuit
you can see what a special talent it takes to win here, all you need is
one mistake and it’s all over. Our job is to give Justin and Tomas a car
they can do it with. Even if you qualify well, Monaco has claimed a lot of
victims to attrition and this is one place you can’t rest, physically or
mentally. ”