Williams Martini Racing Team Monaco Grand Prix Preview

(© Ben Johnston 2015)

Williams Martini Racing head to the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend following another strong result at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago.

At the Barcelona Circuit De Catalunya Valtteri Bottas held off a strong fight from fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen to finish the race in fourth place while Felipe Massa ended the race in sixth place. The double points finish has strengthened the Grove based outfits position in third place in the Constructors championship on 81 points, 51 ahead of four time world champions Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

The characteristics of the Monte Carlo circuit should suit the FW37, last year the team scored a seventh place finish with Brazilian Felipe Massa while Valtteri Bottas was forced to retire from the race.

The team will be hoping that they will be able to score another strong points finish this weekend and speaking ahead of the race weekend, Valtteri Bottas who lives in Monaco stated:

‘As a Monaco resident I see the track being built and the grandstands going up in the weeks ahead of the race and the anticipation starts to build. Witnessing the whole build up and then the roads forming into iconic racing corners is a very strange but cool experience. It's not the easiest race on the calendar but that challenge makes it a thrilling circuit to drive – for me it's the most special race of the year. The first year I drove here I found it challenging so it's nice to go into the race with some experience under my belt already.’

Felipe Massa commented by saying:

‘With the Monaco Grand Prix I get to see the whole process of how a Formula One race comes together way before the fans get there, which is something I would never normally witness. It’s a one off race, especially as I can walk to the track in the morning from home. It's a long, special but important race and I hope we can have a strong weekend. Although I prefer longer faster circuits like Spa and Monza, nothing can take away from the thrill of the streets of Monaco. Your first thought is to qualifying well, and from there to make sure that you finish the race. If you do that then you are in with a chance of getting some really good points.’

Williams Martini Racing Team’s Head of Performance Rob Smedley commented by saying:

‘We have come out of the Spanish Grand Prix in a positive position and continue the European leg of the season with a lot of optimism. In Barcelona we were quick in the parts of the track that are akin to Monaco, so are hoping for a decent weekend. It's so important to get the drivers in the car and running at a track like Monaco because rhythm is important, so Thursday practice will be important. The track isn’t the best suited to our car’s core characteristics, but from what we saw in terms of balance in Spain we are optimistic.’

© Ben Johnston 2015