Fastest man this morning, Charles Leclerc confirmed his abilities at home setting the pole position during qualifying session of the Formula 2. The Monegasque took his third pole in a row after Bahrain and Spain in 1’19’’309.

The Prema Racing driver will start ahead of Alexander Albon (2^e) and Oliver Rowland (3^e). Seventh time of the day, Nyck De Vries will lose three places on the grid and will finally start tenth because of his Spanish’s penalty.

Deprived of a first win in the Principality last year by a very long pit-stop, Daniel Ricciardo hopes that luck will finally turn in this season on his second home race.

« Monaco is definitely my favourite track to drive, said the current fifth in the championship. It is so tight, so intimidating. From the outside some of the sequences looks impossible to go through at the speed we do. Once you are in the car it’s an amazing feeling. »

Famous for its selectivity, the 3,337 km long circuit does not allow any leap of concentration from the drivers. Without comfortable run-off areas like most of modern circuits, « Smiling » knows that he will have to touch the limit and never surpass it.

« If you kiss the wall it actually makes you want to do it again as opposed to scaring you, explains the Aussie. The whole spectacle of the week-end just makes it something unique and special. »

© Jean-François Galeron

Revelation of the start of the season, Esteban Ocon has never stopped to strengthen since its arrival at Force India. Fifth of the last meeting in Spain, the Frenchman will be race in Monaco for the first time this week-end.

« Driving in Monaco is going to be a new experience for me, said the member of the Mercedes Young Driver Program. I’ve never raced there before. I used to come and watch the Formula One races when I was young, but I never had the opportunity to race there. »

Determined to shine in the Principality, Force India’s driver carefully prepared the sixth round of the championship by spending many hours on the simulator. Aware that he will not have to be impatient on track, the Frenchman wants to be competitive ahead of its many fans.

« It’s a very special place and I always feel a sense of history when I go there, said Esteban. The city is forever linked with Formula One and it’s currently the number one race of the year. For the drivers it gives a big rush of adrenaline and everybody knows it’s a big challenge. »

© Jean-François Galeron

Recruited by Renault to replace Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg was kick to justify the confidence placed in him by the French team. Extremely strong in qualifying, the German also get three consecutive entries in the points before to start the most legendary race of the calendar.

« There is no track like Monaco , said the 2015 24 Hours of le Mans winner. It’s the highlight of the year. It’s unique and special in every aspect. There is no place like it to give you a sensation of speed. »

If he didn’t manage a good performance each year on the Monegasque track, the Renault’s driver hopes to get a good result in 2017. But to reach his goal on Sunday, the German knows that a good starting grid is essential. »

« Overtaking is hard but it is a thrilling race and a huge challenge, reveals Nico. Physically is not the most demanding track, but mentally it’s a really tough one. You have to keep all the time a high level of concentration. I really love racing at Monaco . »

© Jean-François Galeron