Ferrari put a promising start into the Monaco weekend. Local hero Charles Leclerc drove the best time on Friday and was very satisfied with the performance of his SF -24 – despite an early setback. A small accident with Lance Stroll in the first training session only clouded his picture for a short time.
Before the weekend, he was convinced that Ferrari will not experience a strong race in Monaco. That has now changed a little: “Maybe I’m a little less convinced now, but I am not suddenly convinced of the opposite,” he says.
“A Friday in Monaco is always special, very own. Everyone is still looking for their reference points,” explains the Monegasse for the sessions.
“It is still too early to be particularly positive – but let’s say that Friday was very positive for us. I felt pretty comfortable in the car. It didn’t start as I wanted – with the accident with Lance – but after that it went quite smoothly, and overall I am satisfied with the car.”
Especially the performance on the soft tires in the second training session made you take notice. Leclerc: “Yes, the pace on a round was strong. As I said, no matter which tire we were on – I felt quite comfortable and the lap times came quickly. It’s always a good sign.”
“Qualifying is absolutely crucial here. If we want to hope for a good result, we have to start at the front.”
Hamilton: “The coolest route at all”
Teammate Lewis Hamilton ranked as a third (+0,105) in training, but is also full of praise for the driving experience in Monaco. “It was incredible – just the coolest route to drive. So much fun. It’s a highlight every year,” enthuses the seven -time world champion.
“To be honest, it doesn’t matter which car you sit in – of course it helps when the car is good and is quick, but with the grip, the speed, the tight … this is the best roller coaster ride of the year. And it is a real privilege – we are only 20 drivers who can drive here.”
“This morning I wrote Ellen – my assistant for 20 years -: ‘I can’t believe that I can still do it every year.’ I was looking forward to the day. “
In terms of performance, the Brit still sees space for improvements, especially with itself: “I think I can get something out of my driving style – with the lines, when braking. In curve 1 alone, there is a tenth. There are small things here and there,” he says.
On the other hand, there should hardly be any changes in the set -up of the car: “On the car itself, it is only minimal adjustments, maybe we change something very easily – like a quarter of the fall or something. But nothing more.”
Can Ferrari shine in qualifying?
With Leclercs strong best time and Hamilton’s competitive speed, Ferrari impressively returned to Monaco on the training on Friday. Both drivers were safely and technically satisfied. The starting point before qualifying on Saturday could hardly be better for Scuderia – especially if it succeeds in bringing Leclerc to the pole in front of a home crowd.
As is so often the case in Monaco, it will be decided in time training whether it is enough for victory. And it doesn’t seem to be as hopeless as expected in advance.