Fernando Alonso topped the timesheets today in practice for Sunday’s Monaco Prix. The two times Monaco winner was the only driver to dip below the 1m 15s mark, setting a best time of 1m 14.904s – just a tenth of a second shy of the fastest lap in low fuel qualifying last year.
Alonso was having to contend with the back end stepping out quite a bit, but he always looked fast and believes that whereas Barcelona rewarded massive downforce, Monaco is about getting the car tuned in to the circuit,
“Here, having the right set up can make more of a difference than pure aerodynamic downforce and we already have a good baseline, given that last year Kimi almost took pole with a car that was far off the F10 in terms of potential,” he said.
Ferrari has not won the race for almost a decade, the 2001 race was the last victory, with Michael Schumacher. Although they have come close since then, victory has eluded them.
Alonso’s time was set just before a rain shower dampened the track. Interestingly many drivers stayed out to see how the slick tyres would handle the damp track and despite some slides and some flirtation with the barriers, no one went into them. It was a useful exercise as the indications are that there will be more rain over the weekend.
Nico Rosberg was second, after a difficult morning in which he spent a lot of time in the pit garage working on a pushrod problem in his suspension.
Robert Kubica looked very competitive in both sessions, setting a time of 1m15.192 in the afternoon session, having been third in the morning session. Kubica looks like he could be worth keeping an eye on this weekend. He has always excelled on tracks lined with barriers or walls and the Renault looks pliant and nimble in his hands around this track.
The Renault was also the fastest car through the speed trap today.
The McLaren drivers look poorly placed on the time sheets in 7th and 9th but their car looked hooked up too and are likely to contest the pole position on Saturday with the Red Bulls of Vettel and Webber, the Ferrari and the Mercedes. It’s likely to be tight – because it’s a short lap the margins are often in the hundredths of a second. Last year in Q2, in low fuel conditions similar to this year’s qualifying session, the top four cars from four different teams were separated by 7/100ths of a second.
Williams has always been a strong team at Monaco, even when the car hasn’t been performing well elsewhere. This has been a particularly tough start to the season for the team in terms of competitiveness so this weekend will be important to them. Today they were 13th and 14th.
In the morning session Alonso’s Ferrari just edged out the Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel, with Kubica third. Kamui Kobayashi hit the barriers at the Swimming Pool.
Tomorrow is a rest day in Monaco, so the next track action will be on Saturday.
Be sure to follow the latest news, gossip and track action, including voices from the teams, drivers, media and insiders on the live Twitter feed at JA on F1 Tweets
1. Posted By: monktonnik
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 6:27 pm
I watched some of the coverage on the BBC whilst at work.
My thoughts:
JB looked uncomfortable with oversteer, but beautifully smooth at times.
MSC was looking quite agressive and racey
Kubica looks sublime
There was a bit of rain at the end of the second session and there was traffic at the end of the first. I am not sure that the Ferrari is the fastest.
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Racehound Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
ha ha ha …incase you missed it….Alonso was only driver in the 1:14s……….comprende? #:)
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LT Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
hahaha it’s only practice…….comprende?
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D. Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 2:31 am
Guys, get serious. Monaco is a driver’s circuit. Car performance doesn’t count so much. Alonso is so far the fastest because he is the best driver. Notice that last year Kimi got 2nd in qualifying in that terrible Ferrari car. And because this is a track where you will not see mediocre drivers do well, don’t expect Button or Massa or Webber, etc to do anything good. It will be between Alonso, Lewis and Vettel … and maybe even Michael and Nico. Pole will go to whoever achieves a perfect lap. Time differentials will be minuscule.
Rory Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Only the best driver win Monaco. Guess who won last year?
Yes, that would be Mr. Button.
That would defeat at least one or both of D.’s implications, since Button won last year, and in the fastest car at the time.
neil m Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Racehound, you seem to have completely missed what he was saying, duh
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drums Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
But there one thing called semantics. You quote by name JB, MSC and Kubica. And there “I’m not sure the Ferrari is the fastest”. So you have disclosed you bias.
2. Posted By: Boris Gnuni
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 6:40 pm
Good job Fernando !
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Racehound Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
affirmative! #:)
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3. Posted By: BonoBono
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 7:15 pm
Hmmm…I dont how to read the two practice sessions. I think Mclaren were running a different programme to Ferrari and RBR. I hope they have a lot more pace.
James, off topic i know, but ive been asking myself this question for the past few races and i hope you can clarify this. Is it your voice we hear in the press conference after qualy and the race with the top three? If not the guy definitely sounds A LOT like you…
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James Allen Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Yes that is me. It’s a great job, very interesting to see the reactions of the drivers after the race in particular.
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Adam Tate Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
That is awesome James. I am sure you have been asked this more times than you can count, but how did you land such a job?
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James Allen Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Been around a long time..
Alias J Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
oh really? thats great to know! wouldn’t have have known it otherwise. you’re a legend!
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Nick Pauro Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I wondered that too! What a job!
I really like the Monaco GP banner at the top of the website… you can’t beat the retro look!
Massa could have won here a while back, but I’m feeling an Alonso storm comin in this time! S.F. Sempre
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BonoBono Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Now get back to commentary please!
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Kedar Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Yes James please.
We would love an audio stream feed with your live commentary on your site which is accessible from anywhere on the internet. When in Europe you do get to see the pictures but the commentary lets say is completely “biased”.
I am sure a lot of us will be willing to pay for it
James Allen Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
You are not aloud to broadcast live from an event. That is controlled by Bernie Ecclestone’s FOM company and the rules are very strict.
4. Posted By: Bec
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 7:29 pm
I did notice Massa in the Ferrari block both the Lotus and Virgin cars, strange I thought as we were all assured by Martin Whitmarsh it would be the other way round
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5. Posted By: Unload It
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
James, first four cars in Q2 last year were not separated by 7/100ths. That was the margin from 2nd to 5th, but Kimi was actually 0.3s faster than anyone else. Yes, I know it was huge and I remember writing in my notebook something like: “Finally a classic super-quick Kimi-lap,” as, whilst being objective and fair, I have enormous respect for Kimi’s ability and was sometimes frustrated by his tyre problems at Ferrari. So I remember that particular session, which was one of his last great moments in F1.
And I noticed your voice in TV unilaterals, too. Are you also doing the press conference, or is it still Bob?
Besides, keep on the good work with arguably the best F1 blog!
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James Allen Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
It’s Bob Constanduros
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m de p Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
bob constanduros. He has been writting about f1 for at least three decades. I remember in the eary eighties reading his articles on grand prix international magazine.
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Enrico Fiore Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Kimi’s lap times were also superbly consistent, compared to evryone else’s. My favourite though is 2006, won by Alonso. Alonso and Kimi were glued together for something like 30 laps till Kimi’s Mac overheated after being held up at a traffic jam caused by one Mark Webber!
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6. Posted By: irish conor
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 7:52 pm
james put ur money were your mouth is, call the pole and podium
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D. Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 2:37 am
I don’t think that’s James’s job, or obligation, to do. He provides facts, data and insights. It is up to anyone to interpret this information as they wish.
Especially in Monaco predictions are not much good, really, especially this year w/ 24 cars in Q1, several rookie drivers and the possibility of rain (to let alone the almost certain safety car periods).
It will be between Alonso, Vettel and Lewis. Pole and race.
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James Allen Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 6:38 am
I’m always happy to go with an instinct if I feel things are headed in a certain way. I need to see McLaren’s one lap pace on Saturday morning before being too sure, though. I do fancy Kubica for a strong result this weekend, though.
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Antoine Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 6:54 am
Kubica for top steps of the podium
m de p Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
don’t forgrt schumacher, he can be the surprise of the race.
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7. Posted By: Mario
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 8:21 pm
So much activity during the practice, it is going to be very busy Saturday. Can’t wait. Common Robert, give us a show.
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8. Posted By: mmertens
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 8:39 pm
I think that if Massa wants to keep the press quiet about his performance vs Alonso and to retain morale inside Ferrari, his Saturday Qualifying performance is crucial. And probably he knows that this race is going to be a major opportunity to get the pole, making less harder to get a much needed victory. But beating Alonso here would be extremely hard.
So far he´s doing fine, only two tenths off Alonso’s pace.
James, do you think he can make it? What are your impressions of his pace during both sessions?
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James Allen Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
He’s never been at his best at Monaco, although he did a great job in 2008. I’d expect Alonso to have the edge this weekend.
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mmertens Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
I have to agree with you, thank you for the reply, keep the good job mate!
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D. Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 2:38 am
2 tenths slower at Monaco is a big gap. Q is decided by less than 1 tenth.
Formula Zero Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 1:11 am
Least talked about topic mate, Merc’s performance in these two practice sessions. Here is your answer to if Mercedes is favouring Schumacher over Rosberg, ‘NO WAY!!!’
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Rob H Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Two tenths behind Alonso is definitely not ideal, but much better than recent races. Apparently, Felipe does not like the harder compound tyres (the super-softs are being used this weekend, which explains why he is happier). Hopefully, he has a good race – it has been pretty painful viewing for this Massa fan since about Malaysia onwards. He doesn’t need to beat Alonso this weekend, just be a lot closer than he was in Barcelona.
9. Posted By: Eamonn
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 8:42 pm
James
I know you won’t anwser this one but is there any talk of you coming to the BBC next year? The man in your job tries hard but just doesn’t have it.
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neil m Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
seconded
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Tommo Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Agreed. Leggard is all voice no substance. It’s like he’s always reading from fact sheets.
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PaulL Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
I think Leggard is doing a fine job. He consults well with Martin on Martin’s thoughts. For me he’s simple yet effective.
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itm Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 2:45 am
Leggard sounds like a drill instructor… F1 is supposed to be entertainment, not torture…
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Steve Merc Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Totally in agreement.
We need to start a petition to get James back.
Better chemistry with Martin.
No dis to Jonathan, he’s ok.
But James is Enthusiastic! and that makes all the difference!
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Craig Chamberlain Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Agreed. I find myself shouting at the TV when I have spotted something pretty important and Jonathan is still wittering on about some minor point which happened 30 seconds ago and Martin can’t get a word in edgeways.
Radio 5 live are so much better in terms of commentary that it almost makes me switch over but I like Martin, Jake, DC and the rest of the team too much.
If BBC offered you the job I really hope you are able to take it.
No response required.
Craig.
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10. Posted By: Nihad Gluscic
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 9:25 pm
James, I had a thought, if Alonso was to win Monaco with Ferrari (he does have a fair chance), it would have been his third win here with as many different teams – wouldn’t that be the first time someone ever did that?
Cheers
Nihad
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James Allen Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Yes it would. Good spot.
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Thalasa Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 9:48 am
Did I hear that it would be the same case with MSC? Is that right?
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Martin Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
I guess this gives Michael something to chase too. I suspect both just want to win.
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Nihad Gluscic Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Geez Martin, I didn’t spot that one. Guess I wasn’t giving an old geezer so much of a chance to bag it, though I wouldn’t be surprised – in fact, his strongest chance might be here.
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11. Posted By: Andrew
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 9:50 pm
Hi James, great website.
Lewis Hamilton seems to be driving so well this year and incredibly quick in races. He just does not seem to be having any luck, do you think he will break his duck in Monaco ?
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James Allen Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Could do but the McLaren needs some more pace on the single lap to get him up the front of the grid.
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12. Posted By: PaulL
Date: May 13th, 2010 @ 11:06 pm
I find it striking how positive and confident Alonso is in his Ferrari environment.
Of course, much was said about his comments about McLaren, but even at Renault where he was happy, he never seemed as confident and upbeat about the team prospects for the season as he does now at Ferrari.
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mike Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 11:35 am
alonso will be the happiest you have ever seen him in 3 years bacause he’s been in a dog for 2 years (renault) and had an executive and half the pit garage against before that(maclaren) It is no surprise to me that he is killing it at ferrari. With the resources that massa has had at his disposal for last few years, its clear he is guilting himself now that alonso is showing peformance- and where massa should have been all along.
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m de p Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
don’t forget that the past two seasons made him grow as a person, what made him even more lethal. He is a much more efficient winning machine.
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PaulL Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Amen. Exactly..
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13. Posted By: Gravelrash
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 12:33 am
James,
I think you are doing a great job with the reports on OneHD here in Oz, and hence knew it was you in the interviews. Please keep the live reports coming as we missed you in the China race. But my question is what happened to your predecessor, Peter Windsor. Does he still attend each F1 round? USF1 is definately dead but has he given up his day job??
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James Allen Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 6:42 am
Last I heard he was setting up a TV production company and helping to manage Alexander Rossi. He hasn’t been seen in an F1 Paddock since USF1 failed. But he was in Melbourne and Barcelona somewhere, I’m told.
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14. Posted By: Nambo
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 1:50 am
Very interesting first two sessions of practice. I think Bobby K can pull off a real surprise but am hoping it will be Webber who will be the victor.
Great site James. I always looked forward to reading your thoughts on the ITV-F1 site and then recently discovered JA.F1. By far the most informative source of F1 news and quite a high standard of comments from all the Joe Q Publics.
Keep up the good work.
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15. Posted By: Fausto Cunha
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 2:16 am
James, were the Red Bulls hidding their pace as button said? Did you see any indication of that?
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James Allen Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 6:40 am
A really good car like that is bound to be faster at Monaco, as it was in Spain, but not by as much. It’s a lot about driver confidence. I do expect them to be on top in qualifying though, yes.
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16. Posted By: johnpierre rivera
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 2:39 am
james
no point really. just want to say i (and most likely not the only one) really appreciate reading all of your reply’s. i know it must be very time consuming when you reply to us (your bloggers), so thanks. it really feels as though we are part of the great community that is formula 1. when ever i tell anyone about the 10-15 sites that i constantly check all the time, yours is the first one i name. as has already been mentioned, your insight coupled with the non-bias, measured, rational writings make for superb reading.
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James Allen Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 6:36 am
Thanks, I really appreciate that. I’m very proud of the large community we have built here. It’s all about connecting the fans to the sport and helping you to get more out of it.
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17. Posted By: Bluem
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 2:50 am
Why do they take a rest on Fridays in Monaco?
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Manuel Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 9:17 am
So that they can open roads for public.
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YellowNRedStriped Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Friday is the traditional market day in Monaco.
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James Allen Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Also to do with Ascension Day. That always sets the date for the race and the rest of the F1 calendar moves around it – so a Christian holiday is F1′s fulcrum, how about that??
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Bluem Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Thanks for all the answers.
YellowNRedStriped Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Does that make the podium 3 steps to Heaven?
18. Posted By: darren
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 5:53 am
got a funny feeling we are going to see young Britney A.K.A Nico Rosberg win this weekend.
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m de p Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
i hope you are right, but winning at monaco, it’s hard. If he wins his first one here, it would be from the front, or with some gifts from the competititon. What is the funny feeling telling you?
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YellowNRedStriped Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Am I the only one that finds that nickname offensive? Not one of Webber’s best comments.
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19. Posted By: Ron
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 6:28 am
I hope this time a Non-Redbull car takes pole. Would be interesting to see how they would catch up with the lead car considering it is damn hard to overtake!
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20. Posted By: Thalasa
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 9:50 am
I know it was only 1st day practice but, has Rosberg’s position ahead of MSC anything to do with the team using Bahrain car this weekend?
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21. Posted By: Steve Merc
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 11:30 am
Great info James as always. Thank you.
1. Lewis
2. Alonso
3. Jenson
4+. redbulls,MSC, Kubica
We can but hope!
Come on Jens!
Have it!
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22. Posted By: Faisal
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 1:58 pm
Alonso has been exceptional at Monaco. Since 2005, he always had a good showing. Even in 2008, before he hit Heidfeld which compromised both drivers’ race, he was doing great laps with that mediocre R28 and a pretty reasonable result in 2009 with a car that lacked traction.
If nothing strange like traffic etc happens in qualifying, he should be on front row and hence take the win. However, rain is predicted so it can make things interesting.
BTW James, excellent blog. Something different to read from normal F1 sites. Your insight is really great and I miss your commentary. Your blog is now among the list of my 4-5 sites which I open regularly no matter I’m home or in college. Keep up good work
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James Allen Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Thanks very much for that. Got some very exciting things coming up here soon, so keep checking in!
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Tim Lamkin Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
O-YOU must give us some hints…you bait us…
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23. Posted By: Clive
Date: May 14th, 2010 @ 3:17 pm
I do hope Hamilton does not take too much risks this weekend, since a dnf will surely make his title charge extremely diff, i think points grabbing might be the better option.
what’s your view on that James?
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James Allen Reply:
May 14th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
He needs a win and a solid run of podiums to get in the game, that’s for sure.
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24. Posted By: Craig Chamberlain
Date: May 15th, 2010 @ 12:50 am
Hi James,
Slightly off topic and I’m sure you’ve been asked this (type of) question loads of times but if you were asked to put together an F1 team to represent planet earth in inter-planetary F1, what would be your choices of:
1. Team Boss
2. Chassis
3. Engine
4. Designer
5. Driver 1
6. Driver 2
Great website by the way, I’m very interested to see what “exiting things” you are planning as per your post above.
All the best,
Craig.
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James Allen Reply:
May 15th, 2010 at 7:24 am
Great question, difficult to answer quickly. Alonso and Vettel as drivers, Merc engine at the moment, Red Bull chassis, Newey designing and probably Brawn or Horner as team boss
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25. Posted By: Ed Knowles
Date: May 16th, 2010 @ 5:35 pm
James, a quick question. Alonso pitted at the end of the first lap to change tires. Not sure if I am confusing with another series but I thought you had to complete a lap on each type of tire. Is is possible to go out on one set of tires and return immediately to the pit?
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James Allen Reply:
May 16th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Yes it is and Ferrari always planned it that way
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26. Posted By: Kevin
Date: May 17th, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
Ha ha, you said Damon Hill was Michael Schumacher’s nemesis. Shome mishtake, shurely, ‘cos Schumacher was Hill’s nemesis, in actual fact, year after year, even though Hill usually had the faster car. I’m sure Hill is delighted to be in a position to exact revenge at last (you’ll remember that he swerved all over the track to baulk Schumacher in one of the last opportunities he had to do so on the track, and Michael’s response then was a mixture of puzzlement and embarrassment for Hill. I’m sure Schumacher will feel the same way again this week – “poor, pathetic Damon”).
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