Even given the dramatic performance drop-off from worn tyres which we are
experiencing this year, overtaking at Monaco remains fiendishly difficult so
track position is king.
For that reason, qualifying will be vital and set-up will be tailored to start
as high up the grid as possible.
Race strategy will then be crucial. Basically you want to be as high up the
field as you can be following the last round of pit stops as you will fancy
your chances of holding off any closing rivals until the chequered flag,
even if they do have fresher rubber.
Sub-plots?
The debate over Pirelli’s tyres and the influence they are having on the
racing is valid. It raises fundamental questions about racing and
entertainment and what we want to see from Formula
One.
But I don’t agree with the premise that grands prix are now a lottery. I’m yet
to see anyone say the tyres are inconsistent from set to set.
For that reason, sooner or later, the engineers and drivers will build up
enough information to be able to predict how they will react on any given
day and it will settle down. This is all part of the Formula One battle.
Timings
- Saturday: Qualifying at 2pm local time (1pm BST)
- Sunday: Race start is 2pm local time (1pm BST)
TV
- Qualifying: Sky Sports F1 HD and BBC1
- Race: Sky Sports F1 HD and BBC1
Weather
- Qualifying: Cloudy with possibility of sun and showers (20C)
- Race: Mostly cloudy (20C)