Valtteri Bottas believes he can still target a haul of points from the back at Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix after taking on a fresh power unit.
Bottas qualified on top spot during Friday’s session at Monza and will consequently line up from the front for Formula 1’s second trial of the Sprint race.
However irrespective of the outcome of the 18-lap encounter he will start Sunday’s grand prix from the back of the grid.
Mercedes opted to fit Bottas’ W12 with a fresh power unit, his fourth of the season, which is a breach of his yearly allocation.
“I think in the Sprint there’s definitively a good possibility of scoring some points, so, of course, I’ll be trying to get the maximum points we can,” he said.
“Then it’s another fight on Sunday but, for now, let’s focus for tomorrow and then try to deal with it on Sunday.
“Having a look at the pace we have here, I’m sure we can get some strong points on Sunday.”
Bottas’ Q3 session-topper marked the first time he headed qualifying since the Portuguese Grand Prix.
“I’m feeling good about that,” he said. “It felt nice, I enjoyed it and that last lap was a beautiful lap and I really had fun.
“The car has been really good, this weekend, as you saw there was a good gap to Red Bull as well, so we’ve been maybe stronger than we expected, so far this weekend and, hopefully, it will be the same in race pace.”
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