Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur believes the Italian outfit could win this weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix, with the importance of qualifying meaning that the side have a “good opportunity” to claim a very strong result.
Due to the size of the cars, overtaking at the Circuit de Monaco is virtually impossible, meaning that qualifying well is more important than at any other venue on the calendar.
Qualifying since the start of the new aerodynamic regulations has been one of Ferrari’s biggest strengths, with Vasseur believing that Carlos Sainz or home hero Charles Leclerc could claim victory if they secure pole position.
Leclerc has claimed pole at Monaco for two consecutive seasons; however, he’s never finished higher than fourth at his home race.
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Sainz on the other hand, has finished second in 2021 and 2022, showing that the Spaniard has the form at the iconic venue to be a contender for victory.
Leclerc has on the whole shown better qualifying pace than Sainz so far this season, with the Monegasque having claimed pole position twice during the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Whilst he was unable to convert either into a victory, the 25-year-old was at least able to remain amongst the leading places.
Should Leclerc or Sainz qualify well on Saturday, then the likelihood is that they’ll be a contender for either a podium or the win itself, despite Ferrari’s high tyre degradation issues.
It will still be vital for both drivers though, to avoid making an error, something they’ve both been guilty of this season.
Leclerc crashed twice in Miami whilst Sainz was penalised for speeding in the pit-lane, something that must be avoided to be victorious at the historic venue.
It all starts with a strong performance on Saturday, with Vasseur truly believing that a win is possible if they can qualify on the front row.
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“From the beginning [of the season], I think we were always in a position to fight for pole position,” said Vasseur.
“And when you start from the first row in Monaco, you can expect to win – or at least you have the chance to do it.
“For sure it’s a good opportunity for us, now let’s see what’s happens tomorrow and Saturday, before the race on Sunday.”