Looking forward to a fantastic challenge - Kovalainen

The ING Renault F1 Team previews round five of the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship, the Monaco Grand Prix. The Finnish rookie driver of the French team can't wait to race in the streets of the Principality.

"I can’t wait! This is one of the most interesting races of the whole year because the circuit is so unusual. On a street circuit, you simply cannot afford to make mistakes. If you brake a bit too late, you are in the wall, and that’s game over. You have to concentrate for every instant. I have good memories of my GP2 race in Monaco, when I set pole, led most of the race and, in spite of pit-stop problems, I finished fifth. I am really looking forward to seeing what the circuit is like to drive in an F1 car!"

"To be honest, I think it is tighter and even more narrow than what you see on television! The corners are tighter, the walls are always too close… It is almost impossible to pass unless you are much faster – or your competitor makes a mistake. You are so close to the buildings that the sound is bouncing off them, and that means you hear your engine much louder – and the engines of the cars around you… it’s a really strange feeling in the opening laps! Monaco is a spectacular Grand Prix, and it will be an interesting race."

"Downforce is important, and I think everybody will race with their maximum levels. But in my opinion the crucial things are mechanical grip and the suspension, because they are what help you be quick through the slow corners. You also need to have good braking stability, because the driver needs to feel confident to be able to attack the big braking zones. Those are the areas we will concentrate on in practice on Thursday."