The streets of Monte Carlo always throw up an exciting race, whether a game of tactics, a race of attrition or sheer blinding brilliance by one man. The Principality always
delivers something a little different. This time last year the series arrived in Monaco with
Nelson Piquet Jr at the top of the championship table, courtesy of a strong opening to the season, but an almost perfect weekend from eventual champion
Lewis Hamilton turned the tables in the Englishman’s favour and set the scene for the rest of the year.
Glock aside, it is hard to predict a potential winner this weekend, although the Senna name has long been attached to Monaco success. Of course, those with prior experience in the Principality should be at an advantage but, with the F3 Euroseries' recent excursions there and GP2's shared programme with the World Series by Renault giving graduates a chance to run on the streets, the majority of the field can claim some sort of idea as to where the road goes.
Lapierre, more than most, has a point to prove this weekend, having been taken out of the 2006 race - and the middle part of the season - by a start-line shunt that also caused injury to fellow countrymen Olivier Pla and Tristan Gommendy. Another series veteran, Giorgio Pantano, has called for calm on Saturday following the shunts that have marred the opening rounds of 2007, but it remains to be seen whether his words will be heeded when the adrenaline begins to flow into Ste Devote.
Others, however, will hope that the usual rate of attrition will allow them a glimpse of the points, with DPR's Andy Soucek no exception.
“DPR were very competitive in qualifying and the race last year, so the set-up information and data should help us," the Spanish World Series veteran said, "We’ve had four tough races so far and we really need to change it around. I’m going to be aiming high for Monaco.
