By Huw Alban
May 22 2002

OrangeArrows are in confident mood for the Monaco Grand Prix. As the season unfolds the A23 is becoming more and more competitive, and according to a team witness in Monte Carlo, Heinz-Harald Frentzen is going to win the race. I cannot tell you how much I’d love to see that ! Heinz-Harald Frentzen on the Monaco Grand Prix:

“Monaco is a great venue for a race and, in my opinion, is the best race on the calendar. It’s my home, so I have extra opportunities to prepare myself for the race, as I drive the streets most days so I really know them like the back of my hand. It’s very tight with some really good hairpins, making it a very enjoyable track to drive. The circuit demands your full concentration at all times and you cannot afford to make any mistakes. We tested at Paul Ricard last week to simulate some of the circumstances we will find at Monaco, grip levels etc., and we were pleased with our performance so that should give us plenty of data to help us with set-up for this weekend.”

Enrique Bernoldi on the Monaco Grand Prix:

“I like Monte Carlo; I had a very exciting race there last year! It’s a very exhilarating track to drive, but it does not give any room at all for mistakes, which makes it a real challenge. The corners are slow, with some very tight chicanes that are really tricky as the streets are so tight. As you have to be really focused all the time, it’s very demanding psychologically as well as physically, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s really important to get a good spot in qualifying as overtaking is almost impossible here.”

Mike Coughlan, OrangeArrows’ Technical Director:

“Austria was a shame for us, as we felt we were more competitive there than we were in Spain, and didn’t take any reward. Our competitiveness is increasing every race, but Monaco can always throw in a few surprises! It’s very important to find the right set-up there, as the track is so unique. You need a high downforce balance, which must always take into account the very low levels of grip in Monaco. We tested at Paul Ricard last week to work on finding the best set-up for the car, as well as running various tyre compounds from Bridgestone, all in preparation for this weekend, so I think we go to Monte Carlo well-equipped. We also carried out some straight-line tests in the UK, which is crucial to see how the aerodynamic package works under various conditions. I think we have a better idea of how we measure up to some of the cars further up the tables now, so we want to continue to show the progress we are making.”