On Track

Practice report by Aramco: Monaco GP

Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel collected plenty of data for Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

The drivers completed a combined 119 laps of the iconic Monte Carlo circuit, though conditions could change with potential rain forecast for Sunday.

Sebastian

Sebastian started FP1 on the Hard tyres to set a baseline for the AMR22. The four-time World Champion later switched to Medium tyres and used the fast compound to set personal best sectors and lap times.

He set a best lap time of 1.15.387, which proved good enough for 12th.

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Monaco Grand Prix

The reputation of Formula One's most glamorous event is matched by the raw challenge of the legendarily tough street course: this is Monaco. 

Get up to speed

Sebastian continued the team's programme in FP2 and used all of his talent to correct a moment at the Swimming Pool to avoid the barriers.

During the red flag caused by Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian switched to Soft tyres for the first time this weekend and took seconds out of his previous best lap time.

He then finished inside the top 10 after a 1.14.059 effort, resulting in ninth.

"Although I have raced here many times, this circuit feels a lot different in these new cars. The main difference is the tyres are much bigger so it is harder to see out and see the track around you.

"The cars are also a lot stiffer - going through the tunnel is not as easy as it used to be. I was lucky to be able to save the car during the mistake at the Swimming Pool, despite my heart rate definitely going up!

"We are working to see what we can fine-tune on the set-up – we tried some new things today, so we need to see what worked well and make sure we filter it to the best improvements.

"Tomorrow, the key will be making sure we have a clean lap, especially during Q1 when the track will be busy."

Lance

Lance completed 26 laps in FP1, starting on Hard tyres and switching to Softs early in the session.

Lance used the two compounds to provide better insight into the Pirelli tyres, with a fastest lap time of 1.15.539 putting him 12th.

He returned for FP2 on the Medium tyre for the first time this weekend, putting in strong and consistent times early in the session.

Lance's work was briefly paused by the red flag, leading to a return to the pitlane and a switch to Soft tyres.

This helped Lance cut nearly a second from his earlier times, offsetting his then-best time of 1.14.921.

Lance finished FP2 on the Medium tyres, completing 29 laps and securing a final fastest lap time of 1.14.623.

He then completed a total of 32 laps in FP2 as he switched focus to race simulations ahead of Sunday's Grand Prix.

"It is great to be back in Monaco. Regardless of the car regulations, it is still the same track with the same corners and challenges.

"Today was a good opportunity to work through the latest car developments and build on our experience in Barcelona. The tyres were overheating a bit in the hot weather, so degradation is going to be a limitation during the race.

"We will have to ensure our strategy is prepared for this, especially for qualifying tomorrow. As always, there are still a few things to work on, but I am confident we will make progress."