Sebastian Vettel rates Mercedes as favourite in Monaco – Formula 1 news
Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull believes that Mercedes have got a great chance of winning the Monaco GP, scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 26, 2013.
According to the reigning world champion, “I can understand why people are saying Mercedes is the favourite. They have had a great speed in qualifying in the last few races, and we all know that it's so important to qualify up the front in Monaco. Perhaps
pole won't be everything, but overtaking here is very difficult.”
Out of the first five races of the 2013 Formula 1 season, the Silver Arrows has been able to start from pole on three occasions, which clearly shows that they have an edge over rival teams.
Moreover, the German squad has proved to be strong in Monaco, which will give a lot of hope to their drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Last year, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher was quickest at the Monte Carlo track, but he was unable to win because of the fact that he had to drop down six places in the race following a penalty, which he carried from the precious round in Spain.
On the other hand, Rosberg started from second on the grid and managed to hold his position comfortably in the end. He has shown excellent qualifying form this year and will be hoping to steal the show in Monaco.
Even though Mercedes have struggled with tyre wear since the start of the season, rivals believe this will not be a big factor in the narrow streets of Monte Carlo.
According to Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, “I believe they (Mercedes) will suffer in the race, because they suffer in all the races. But even if you do suffer here, you can hold your position. This could be the best track for them.”
Other than Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari will also have a solid chance of qualifying on the front row of the grid. The latter of the two teams lacked speed last year, but they have turned the tables this time around.
On the other hand, the reigning world champions have been quick on all tracks, so they will also be looking forward to a strong show in Monaco.
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