Monday 19 May 2014

Sahara Force India Monaco Grand Prix Preview

(Sahara Force India Formula One Team)

The Sahara Force India Formula One Team head to Monaco this weekend having scored more points last time out at the Spanish Grand Prix at the Barcelona Circuit de Catalunya. Sergio Perez finished the Grand Prix in 9th place while Nico Hulkenberg finished the race in 10th place. The Silverstone based outfit are currently fourth in the Constructors championship, eleven point's ahead of the Williams Martini Racing Team.

Speaking to the official Sahara Force India website ahead of the race on Sunday Nico Hulkenberg said: 

'Yes, it keeps up our momentum and shows that we can score points even when we are having a difficult day. It shows we have consistency, which is important for keeping our position in the championship. We are in a big battle with some strong teams and being able to score points race after race could make the difference by the end of the season.'

When asked about his five consecutive points scoring Grand Prix.

Nico Hulkenberg is looking forward to the Monaco Grand Prix where, last season the German finished the race in eleventh place while Sergio Perez suffered a brake failure in his McLaren forcing the Mexican to retire from the race.

'It’s the event of the year. Your heartbeat goes up when you arrive there and walk over the bridge into the pits. The place looks amazing with the buildings, the scenery and the mountains. Of course the biggest thrill is driving the track because it’s so unique and gives you the biggest excitement of the year.'

 Hulkenberg was asked about the challenge of the Monte Carlo circuit and he said:

'In terms of precision it’s right up there with Singapore as the toughest race of the year. You never get a break during the lap; you are always working hard because it’s corner after corner. Even the straights are really short and it’s high-speed for such a narrow track. I particularly enjoy the swimming pool area, which is very quick, and the two right-hand corners before the tunnel.'

Sahara Force India head to Monaco having scored points here last season as Adrian Sutil finished the race in 5th place while Paul Di Resta finished the race in 9th place. This is something that the team will hope to continue this season.

'I think it will be a normal track for us. As far as the pecking order is concerned, it’s very tight and competitive at the moment so we need to keep working hard and keep developing.'

Sergio Perez heads to Monaco having scored points in all but one of the five Grand Prix in 2014 as he failed to start the race in Malaysia. Monte Carlo is one of Sergio Perez's favourite circuit's and when asked about the upcoming Grand Prix he said:

'It’s g challenge and I have always believed it’s a circuit where ‎the driver can really make a difference. So you always have the chance to do something special there. It’s not the most difficult lap of the year, but you have to always keep your concentration.'

Perez was asked by the team which is favourite part of the Monte Carlo circuit is to which he replied:

'I enjoy Casino Square. It’s quick and you have to be very precise with the way you position the car. The other thing that makes Monaco so special is the fact that it’s unique in every aspect. Every corner is iconic and there is no other race like it.'

The Sahara Force India F1 Team have had the strongest start to any of the season's in Formula One and are currently the leading Mercedes powered team behind the Mercedes works team.

'I don't believe that there will be a major surprise and I expect the same teams to be at the front. It’s hard to predict how strong we will be, but I hope we can continue our good form.'

 Despite living in Monaco, Perez does not class the event in Monte Carlo as a home event:

'Not really. It’s always nice to have a race where you don’t have to do any travelling and you can sleep in your own bed. For me a home race will be Mexico when Formula One returns there next year.'


©Ben Johnston 2014 


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