Formula One news

Barrichello: Downforce is the key in Monaco

Rubens Barrichello is currently in second position in the F1 drivers' championship standings. The Brazilian has yet to claim his first win for Brawn GP but came extremely close at last week's Spanish Grand Prix. The Brazilian said that for the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix downforce will be the key to a good lap.

"Driving a Formula One car around Monaco is a fantastic challenge," Barrichello said. "This will be my 17th Monaco Grand Prix but the weekend has lost none of its appeal and is always one of my favourite races on the calendar. Experience counts around Monaco and it's going to be a fascinating weekend with the competition so close at the front of the field.

"Qualifying is one of the biggest challenges of the year here and it is so important to get it right to give yourself the best chance in the race. The unique nature of Monaco presents a number of technical challenges. The streets are tight and twisty although not as bumpy as you might expect following resurfacing work in recent years.

"We will run with as much downforce as possible on the car and good mechanical grip and low-speed handling is crucial. And then of course there are the barriers which line the majority of the Monte Carlo streets for the race weekend. You can really feel the speed of the car when the barriers are so close but Monaco is actually one of the lowest speed circuits that we race on."

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