Daniel Ricciardo set the pace again in Monaco, leading a 1-2 for the second practice session in a row with a new track record around the famous streets of Monte Carlo. Ricciardo's time of a 1:11.841 was six tenths quicker than the Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel who was the next quickest car, on what has been perhaps Red Bull's most competitive day of the season so far.
With Red Bull showing consistent pace, its seemingly an opportunity to bring themselves right back into the championship battle after falling behind in the first few races, especially in the case of the so far error prone Max Verstappen. However it is expected that the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes will get closer come qualifying, potentially setting up a grandstand qualifying session for the most important pole position of the year.
Behind the dominant front three teams it looks set to be a battle between Renault and McLaren to be the best of the rest, with just a tenth and a half separating all four of their drivers in what could also shape up to be a hugely interesting battle. McLaren also did especially well to send out Fernando Alonso after running into braking problems in the first session.
It was a disappointing session for the Haas team however, managing only 16th and 18th between their two drivers which is a worrying sign for the team after for the most part failing to capitalise on their pace thus far this season to have seemingly taken a step backwards will be very frustrating for the american team.
Sam Gale
Replies (7)
Login to replymcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Of course top 3(4?) teams make race track specific changes. But, i get a feeling this is the general order of downforce: 1. RB 2. FER 3. MERC 4. MCL 5. RENUALT 6. TR 7. FORCE 8. WILL 9. HAAS 10. SAUBER
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I'd probably agree with most when it comes to Monaco, but probably disagree somewhat in general. I would probably place HAAS somewhere in the middle, and Renault slightly behind them. I have no idea where STR are, but they seem to be pretty downforce heavy aswell. Meanwhile, I dont really think Merc' are all that downforce heavy.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Provided nothing changes, I think we will have a pretty exciting race at the front. I already picture Max getting impatient behind Daniel and attempting an overtake. Likewise, Ferrari and Merc seem well matched. In the midfield Renault and McLaren are about the same. I haven't been this excited for a Monaco GP in a while. Of course it could all turn out to be a procession, but one can hope.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
KMag, Romain, Max are the spices in the rich soup that is an F1 race.
F1_IS_Dead
Posts: 123
Why should Max try to overtake a car that will be behind him from the start.
Freguz
Posts: 160
I think the winner is the one who can avoid all carbon fibre debris on the track, and not having to driva around with a flat tyre.
reg
Posts: 162
I see for the last few weeks everyone has been saying how dreadful Hartley is and how great Leclerk is!
Just shows what utter twaddle most commentators pundits and even experts come out with !