Lando Norris has explained that the mandatory two-stop rule could give “more opportunity” for a larger number of drivers as he lines-up on pole position for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.
The Brit ended a barren run in qualifying by taking his first pole position since the season-opener in Australia, with a masterful final lap to displace home favourite Charles Leclerc from top spot.
Rule-makers at the FIA have decided to implement the regulation for the Monaco race that teams must all pit for tyres at least twice, in a bid to spice up the event, amid continuing concerns of a lack of entertainment on the famous street circuit.
Normally, it has been generally considered that he who takes pole on Saturday will ultimately be the driver that takes the chequered flag on Sunday.
But the new ruling has opened-up opportunities for other drivers, something that Norris is now pertinently aware of.
“Sadly, I think there’ll be more opportunity for everyone,” he told media, including Motorsport Week. “But that’s the way it is. That’s what Formula 1 has done to just try and put on more of a show.
“Of course, in my position now, I probably don’t agree with what’s been done. But I’m not the one who makes the rules. So, we’ll see.
“I think there is more opportunity for everyone, whether you are starting on pole or if you’re starting last, you can be more optimistic, which is great for you guys. Not so good for me. So, let’s wait and see.”
Leclerc: Drivers at the back ‘could affect top positions’
Leclerc, who looked odds-on to take pole after topping every free practice session prior to qualifying, agreed with Norris’ assertion, adding his belief that drivers further down the order could make or break the race for those at the front.
“I think it’s very difficult also to know what to expect,” he told media, including Motorsport Week. “I think we all go a little bit into the unknown. More stops means more opportunities.
“I don’t think it will change what happens in Turn 1, Lap 1. I think that’s going to be very similar to any other year because it’s going to be just as significant.
“But then we’ll have to see with the pit stops. I don’t think there’s going to be anything surprising in the top positions.
“I think there’s going to be some things that are probably going to be surprising in the back, and that could affect the top positions. So yeah, I don’t know. It’s going to be interesting. We’ll see.”
READ MORE – McLaren: Lando Norris has ‘quite a lot more to extract’ after Monaco breakthrough
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