I'll need to qualify well to score some points - Nelsinho
The ING Renault F1 Team prepares for the sixth round of the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship: the Monaco Grand Prix. Rookie driver Nelson Piquet Jr. received some criticism of his team during the past week and hopes to prove his critics wrong and score his first world championship points at the Principality.
"It has not been an easy introduction to Formula 1. I’ve made a few mistakes, had some bad luck and this is not how I imagined my first five races as a Formula 1 driver. But the important thing is that I have gained some valuable experience, and learnt some lessons, which I hope will allow me to become a stronger driver for the rest of the season."
Monaco is by far the most glamorous venue on the F1 calendar and a very atypical circuit. Do you usually enjoy street circuits?"For sure, although racing on the streets can sometimes be a bit of a lottery. Qualifying is always important, but in Monaco it will be even more so because the streets are so narrow and it is almost impossible to overtake. Then in the race you need to have a good strategy and hope that you don’t get stuck in traffic. And of course, like any street circuit, you have to be totally consistent because the walls are so close that any mistakes will be heavily punished."
Is it a special feeling for you to race here as you lived very near Monaco when you were young?"The atmosphere in Monaco is incredible and as I lived there when I was younger I know all about that. It will be special to go back there as a Formula 1 driver, although it does not feel like a home Grand Prix. I’ve raced there in GP2 already, and so I know my way around the track, but it will certainly be different in a Formula 1 car and that is something I am looking forward to."
Considering the recent progress the team has made since Barcelona, what can you expect from the Monaco GP? How will you approach this race?"I will approach the race in my usual way by trying to do the best job I can for the team. It would be great if we can score some points and that will be my goal, so I will need to qualify well, hopefully in the top ten, and then try and have a consistent race."
