Nico Rosberg quickest in first Monaco GP practice – Formula 1 news
Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg topped the first practice session of the 2013 Formula 1 Monaco GP at the Monte Carlo circuit.
The German has been starting from pole over the past two races, but he has been unable to make the most of his qualifying form on race days. His car performs really well on low fuel and shorter stints, but things are quite opposite in terms of high fuel
runs.
This is why Mercedes have been unable to score a victory in the ongoing season until now. However, the track characteristics are different in Monaco, which will give some hope to the both Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
On the other hand, Ferrari will also be happy with their performance in the first practice session at Monte Carlo, as their lead driver Fernando Alonso recorded the second fastest lap time of the day. His team-mate Felipe Massa was not that far behind, as
he ended up in fourth place overall.
The two Ferraris were split by the Lotus of Romain Grosjean, who has been gaining confidence with the passage of time. He did not start the season in an ideal fashion, but seems to have found the speed now. His team-mate Kimi Raikkonen could not make an
impression though, as he finished outside the top 10.
Hamilton was unable to match the lap time of Rosberg and had to settle for fifth place ahead of Williams’ Pastor Maldonado, who would have been pleased with a sixth place in P1.
Seventh place went to Mark Webber of Red Bull, who was victorious in the 2012 Monaco GP. He was followed by the two McLarens of Jenson Button and Sergio Perez respectively.
Championship leader Sebastian Vettel did not get the best out of his car in the session, as he ended up down in 10th place. He would like to gain speed in all three sectors before the start of qualifying on Saturday.
Although the first five rounds of the season have shown that qualifying is not much important, yet things are different in Monaco. The driver who starts from pole will have the best chances of claiming the maximum points on race day.
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