Mark’s Monaco Grand Prix Preview
Formula One’s Blue Riband event, the Monaco Grand Prix, is the next challenge for Mark on the 2013 World Championship trail. He has an impressive record in the Principality, having taken his first F1 podium there in 2005 and he has won two of the last three Monaco Grands Prix for Red Bull Racing.
“I don’t know what it is about this place,” says Mark. “I just love racing around here. I enjoy the challenge of the track because it’s a real drivers’ circuit and it’s unlike anywhere else on the calendar. I also like the event as a whole; I don’t live my life like some of the people who live in Monaco, but I appreciate that it is one of the big sporting occasions, up there with Augusta and Wimbledon. I’ve got some Australian mates over to watch, so I hope to have a good weekend.”
One of the biggest challenges of Monaco for the drivers is the lack of run-off. Armco barriers line the track and even the smallest error can result in an accident, yet the drivers don’t back off.
“You can’t afford to leave a margin,” says Mark, “because you know the next guy won’t be – especially in qualifying. You have to treat the barriers as if they’re white lines and you end up kissing a few of them on a qualifying lap as a result. You have to be very precise and it’s very satisfying when you put together a good lap.”
Pirelli are bringing their two softest tyre compounds to the race, the soft and the super-soft. But unlike in Barcelona two weeks ago, where four stops were necessary for most cars, Pirelli expect no more than two pitstops in Sunday’s race.
“This isn’t a tough grand prix for the tyres,” says Mark. “There are no fast corners and the asphalt isn’t abrasive. Strategy will probably be between one and two stops. I won the race last year with a one-stop race, but I was nursing the tyres for 72 of the 78 laps! We’ll know a bit more after practice.”
Overtaking is always difficult at Monaco, with 83 percent of its 59 world championship races being won from the front row of the grid. As a result, qualifying on Saturday afternoon takes on even greater significance.
“You need to qualify well and then make a good start,” says Mark. “If you’re out in front, you can control the race and look after your tyres. That’s what all of the front-runners will be aiming to do.”
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20 Comments
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christine (tasmania)
on May 23, 2013Get ready to leap into that pool again Mark!! I know you,ll win this one again. You,re the king of Monte Carlo. All the very best of luck.
Love Christine -
Stu
on May 23, 2013good luck Mark – you are the Monaco King on the road so hope you can chalk up another one.
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Lucky Wilbury
on May 23, 2013Very good season so far and im want to wish you the best monaco gp and if is possible a win or podium will be the best i can wish for , if is my choice i make you win monaco but i think sebastian and other driver is frighten they will miss out also so just do your best and i think you will have a good race , i think deep down helmet marko knows your world champion material he just not admit to it !!! if is have to be show teamwork now and remain focus on the rest of the season still a long way to go 🙂
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Albion Park
on May 23, 2013Good luck Mark.
Your first win there was an unbelievable drive – no one got near you. Love to see you do it again. -
psycho budgie
on May 24, 2013Really looking forward to seeing you on the streets of Monaco again, it’s always special to watch you race there. To win Monaco is a championship in itself – to win more than once confirms you as one of the greats. Lets make it 3! Best to you mate. 😀
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Tony Noske
on May 24, 2013Good luck Mark I hope you can win Sunday
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Susan
on May 24, 2013Let’s make it a “hat trick” at Monaco Mark. I was there 2011 to watch – although you didn’t win that year was still immensely exciting. You can do it – show them why you are called Aussie Grit:)
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emily
on May 24, 2013Looking strong in practice one and two especially webber..the mercs and ferrari’s will be tough to beat this weekend, but I reckon you’ll give them a run one way or another… hope the team aren’t too focussed on seb, seeing he is so high maintainence and often struggles with the setup around monaco, (he only won in 2011 becasue the red flag meant he could change tyres during the stoppage!)… any way mate. get out there and tear it up, we’re all behind you mark…
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Joshua T
on May 24, 2013If I remember correctly after winning Monaco and the British Grand Prix, Red Bull decided to renew your contract for another year, so try your best mate and keep accumulating points, you never know who else may be watching and taking interest in your fine skills, take care!!
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Jill and Brian
on May 24, 2013Good luck Mark our king of Monaco, go and cool off in the pool again mate, best wishes.
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NATALIA RINCON VILELLA
on May 24, 2013let’s go mark and good luck, this is your race.
“webber forever”
kisses from barcelona -
Petra
on May 25, 2013Hi Mark, wish you have another lucky weekend and victory at Monaco.
We’re so excited to see you racing there at that unique track. And certainly love you jump in that pool again.
All the best and a big hug from China -
Tracey
on May 25, 2013This one’s got your name on it Mark..time to take a dip in the pool! Best of Luck, show um that Aussie Grit xx
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Carol (South Australia)
on May 25, 2013Good luck for your 3rd Monaco win Mark. Just believe in yourself and disregard all team orders that may advantage Seb. Do whatever is necessary to prevent him passing you – treat him the same way he will treat you if he gets the chance! If the other teams’ cars are faster, then so be it. But your main competition is the Red Bull Racing team who are giving their total support to Seb. So don’t worry about the team results – drive for yourself from now on and let the world see just how good a driver you really are!
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John B Gilmore
on May 25, 2013You won here last year and you can win here again this year.Mark Webber is a winner!!!
Cheers John NZ -
Trav
on May 26, 2013monaco winner…..MW!!!!
KICK IT MARK. -
Ballssss Out
on May 26, 2013Hope you stay in F1 Mark….your a true professional…and still very competitive. All the best for the Monaco GP.
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Clem
on May 26, 2013Go luck mate was there last year to see you win and lucky enough as there in 2010 hope to watch you from home today make it 3
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Dina A.
on May 26, 2013Wish you the best start, the best strategy and the best result !!
GO,GO,GO CHAMP!!
Good luck Mark ..pool is waiting..!! -
John
on May 26, 2013Go for hat-trick Mark! Good luck!
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