By Jamie Makin
May 19 2005

Felipe Massa has experienced both highs and lows in his two prior Monaco Grands Prix. In his rookie year in 2002 he crashed hard into the barriers of Ste Devote after his breaks failed. But last year he celebrated a 5th place finish after a strong drive from 16th on the starting grid. It makes it easy to see why Massa is not totally at ease preparing for this weekend's race.

"Monaco can be a funny track. I never drove a car there yet that had a really comfortable set-up, though last year things were reasonable and I scored points for fifth because I was able to get to the finish," recalled Massa. "It’s one of those places where you can often score provided you get to the end, even if you are not fast. It’s very easy to crash there; in 2002 I had a big shunt at Ste Devote after a brake problem. To go fast you have to go close to the wall every lap, so you are always right on the edge."

Both of Massa's past qualifying efforts have been in the lower half of the grid which makes his job on Sunday that much harder. Qualifying is almost more critical than the race in Monte Carlo, but last year's results prove that even that obstacle can be overcome.

"It’s also even harder to overtake there than it is at Imola. The Tunnel isn’t really straight enough to line up a pass, and generally speaking you can only pass if the guy in front makes a mistake," Massa said. "But you do get a buzz driving there, though you soon get used to the feeling after your first few laps on the limit. The problem is finding that limit without stepping over it, because if you go over you crash. Simple as that. I did spin once in the chicane without hitting anything, and on the exit to the Swimming Pool, but that was pure luck!"

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good, but Massa has been putting in some mature drives this season and should be able to put his past experience in the principality to good use.

Felipe Massa - Results for Monaco GP:

YEAR	QUAL	RACE	COMMENTS
2004	16	5	-
2002	13	DNF	Brake Failure / Crash