Ferrari expects huge pressure from rivals in Monaco race

Having secured an impressive first and third starting position for tomorrow's Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari expect their rivals to mount a serious challenge in the difficult race on the narrow streets of the Principality.

Saturday of the Monaco Grand Prix saw Ferrari secure its first pole position of the season courtesy of Charles Leclerc who dominated proceedings, earning the right to start his home race from the number one grid slot for the third time in his career.

Having secured his 24th career pole position, which puts him second on the list of Ferrari pole sitters behind Michael Schumacher (with 58) and ahead of Niki Lauda on 23, Leclerc praised the work his team has done in order to prepare the SF-24 for the challenging street track of Monaco.

"I’m very happy. We were fast right from the beginning of the weekend and I really think the whole team deserves this pole position. We know how important is track position here and having the possibility to start in front of everyone gives us the best chances.

"We know from the past that we have to win the race tomorrow on track but so far we have done an amazing job. Of course, I want to thank all the people here as I felt their support right from Wednesday. Now we have to complete the job, and we will do our best to bring home this victory," said Leclerc.

His team-mate Carlos Sainz has not enjoy a smooth weekend so far in Monaco, but he delivered when it really matter to take third on the grid for tomorrow's race.

Speaking of his day, the three-time F1 race winner said: "I feel that I've progressed well today after a difficult start to the weekend yesterday. Of course I’m not satisfied as I would have preferred to be on the front row. However, we have a good fighting chance for tomorrow and we still have a long race ahead of us.

"Congrats to Charles for the pole position at home! Let’s race."

Commenting on his team's brilliant day in Monaco, team boss Fred Vasseur added: "We know how important is pole position at Monaco, but we also know there are no points on Saturday and the target for tomorrow is to confirm the position with Charles and possibly gain one with Carlos.Charles has done an amazing job from the beginning of the weekend supported by the whole team and was able to progress steadily as the track was evolving.

"Carlos was also able to constantly improve getting more and more confidence with the car and the track and at the end was fighting for a place on the front row.Looking forward to tomorrow I expect a close fight between McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and us. It will be interesting.