Whilst Michael Schumacher won’t actually start from pole position on Sunday, thanks to a five-place grid penalty, the seven time world champion was the fastest man when it mattered on Saturday.
Schumacher managed to qualify his Mercedes on pole ahead of Mark Webber and his team-mate Nico Rosberg, marking a return to the front for the first time since the 2006 Brazilian GP.
The 43-year-old described his feelings after the session: “It is simply a wonderful feeling to set pole after such a long time, and particularly here in Monaco,” he said. “Okay, it has taken a little bit longer than I might have wanted in the second chapter of my career, but that makes it even sweeter. It’s just beautiful.
“We already thought that this circuit should suit us, and it’s the perfect confirmation of all the work from every team member in Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart – a big thank you to every one of them, because this is a team result.”
With a five-place penalty applied on Sunday, Schumacher will start sixth behind Fernando Alonso, and he’s hoping to make up a few places despite overtaking being notoriously difficult in Monaco.
“Of course, it’s unfortunate that I won’t start from the very front but that’s how it is. I will do as well as I can. We know that overtaking is tough but with DRS and KERS, you might as well try it – and you can be sure I will.”
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