Renault’s Carlos Sainz Jr. reckons qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix will be “crazy” due to quicker cars and softer tyre compounds.
Kimi Raikkonen last year posted a new track record of 1:12.178 to claim pole position, which itself was 1.5s faster than the time required by Daniel Ricciardo to take top spot 12 months previously.
Despite the introduction of the halo, which adds weight, Formula 1 cars have predominantly been faster than last year’s machines at most of the opening five Grands Prix.
This has been helped by year-on-year development and Pirelli’s decision to introduce softer rubber, having adopted a relatively conservative approach under new-for-2017 regulations.
Pirelli’s Hypersoft compound will be taken to a Grand Prix for the first time next weekend and is two steps softer than the Ultrasofts used by Raikkonen to take pole position in 2017.
Sainz Jr. is expecting lap times to tumble when Formula 1 drivers take to the narrow confines of the historic street track.
“It is quite impressive that tyre I must say,” said Sainz Jr. having trialed the pink-banded compound during in-season testing.
“It is a tyre that easily gives a second per lap. Normally in Barcelona you arrive in the last sector with a tyre quite on the limit. This tyre around Monaco could be something special.
“We could see very quick lap times this year if that’s the case. I would be prepared to see lap records again in Monaco for this year.
“[Qualifying will be] Madness. It will be great. Already last year with these new cars it will be something incredible.
“This year we put two spots softer compound and for me the best tyre that Pirelli have done in a lot of years. It’s going to be crazy.”
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