Over the years, the man from Kraków has developed a reputation as something of a street fighter, traditionally shining around tight, twisty tracks and twice triumphing in the prestigious Monaco Kart Cup as a teenager.
"I am really looking forward to Monaco," he enthused. "I was very strong there in 2007, and I am a big fan of narrow street circuits with barriers right next to the track. Monaco is one of these tight and narrow circuits. There are three or four really nice corners, like the Swimming Pool chicane or the Casino section.
"The track is quite tricky to understand, and it is not easy to find the right set-up of the car in Monaco. Without traction control it will be an even bigger challenge to drive there. We will have to see how our car suits the track. I hope it works at least as well as last year, and I expect a good result."
Due to its very nature, qualifying in Monaco is the most crucial 60-minute session on the grand prix calendar, with overtaking being at such a premium that achieving a good starting position is practically half the battle. Even the tiniest mistake is punished heavily – as defending world champion
Kimi Raikkonen discovered to his cost last year, leaving him down in 16th spot on the grid – but
BMW motorsport director Dr Mario Theissen is aiming high for the weekend and the 78-lap challenge that race day will represent.
"Monaco is one of the great institutions in
Formula 1," the 55-year-old German underlined. "Like Spa, Monza and
Silverstone, it's one of those circuits that have made Formula 1 what it is today. Monaco is Formula 1 up close and personal.
"Nowhere else do spectators get quite so close to the action as in the streets of the Principality, and no other grand prix is as famous or as glamorous as this one. The yachts, the parties, the show business – nowhere are they such an integral part of the Formula 1 experience as here.
