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Monaco GP preview: Racing Point 'want to be fighting for points'

The SportPesa Racing Point Formula 1 team head to Monaco this weekend keen to put the disappointment of the Spanish grand prix behind them. 

The Barcelona race was one to forget and signaled the first time the team had failed to score points in a race this season. 

Sergio Perez summed up his race, saying: "It was a tough weekend, all in all. Considering where we qualified it was always going to be a difficult race because overtaking is tricky here and we have struggled for pace. It’s a weekend to forget." 

However, the calendar's most glamorous race of the year is up next and both drivers are looking forward to what's in store at the famous street circuit. 

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Image: Supplied 

Stroll said: "Monaco is always a huge weekend. When you think of Formula 1, you also think of Monaco because it’s just such a special event. There’s so much history and the buzz around the town creates an amazing atmosphere. We try to treat it like any other race weekend, but everything is a bit different in Monaco – the garages, the schedule, the logistics. 

The Canadian went on to say: "As a driving experience it’s one of the biggest challenges of the year. There’s no room for mistakes because the walls are so close. The track improves each session and you need to build up your speed all the way to qualifying. It is definitely the most important qualifying session of the year because overtaking is really difficult on Sunday."

He ended off by saying: "I’m feeling pretty upbeat ahead of Monaco. Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted in Spain, the work we did across the weekend and during the test was useful. We learned a lot about the car, about the new updates, and where we can find performance. It will be interesting to see how we perform in Monaco because it’s a unique track, but I feel positive about the next few races because I think they will give us an opportunity to show our true potential."

Perez had this to stay about Monaco: "I love everything about Monaco. It’s so different from any other race weekend and I enjoy every moment. The location is beautiful with all the yachts in the harbour and I feel the same excitement every time I go back there."

"It’s the race everybody wants to go to and it’s one of those events where the fans can get close to the action. I think anybody who loves F1 needs to go to Monaco and just experience the atmosphere during race week."

He added: "The circuit is my favourite of the year because it’s difficult for the drivers. I’ve always enjoyed driving on street circuits and Monaco is the best of them all. When you go out of the pits on Thursday morning for the first time you can’t believe how narrow the track feels."



"There really is no room for errors and I think that’s what F1 needs. If you make a mistake at some circuits, you get away with it, but in Monaco you really pay for it. It’s a different challenge and it tests you more than other circuits."

"The key to Monaco is building your confidence. It’s important to have a smooth lead up to qualifying because you need to feel totally comfortable in the car by the time qualifying begins."

"There’s always big track evolution so you need to be on track at the right time too. Q1 is always a a lottery because there are so many cars on track and it’s not easy to find space to complete a clean lap. If we can get good track position for Sunday then I think we’ve got a good chance to score points.”

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