Monaco: pre-qualifying 2022

And so to the tedious procession that is Monaco. Well, not every race weekend can be at a good circuit.

In first practice Leclerc was quickest but Perez was less than four-hundredths behind him, with Sainz similarly close to the Mexican. Verstappen was only a tenth further back. Best of the rest was Norris, a few tenths down the road, narrowly ahead of Gasly, Ricciardo, and Russell, with Vettel and Hamilton bottom of the top 10.

Second practice was a Ferrari 1-2, Leclerc leading Sainz by four-hundredths. Perez was next but three tenths off the pace, with Verstappen almost a tenth behind his team mate (the Mexican has always been good at street circuits and seems to have a better grip on this year’s car than last season’s). Norris was again best of the rest, ahead of Russell, Gasly, Alonso, Vettel, and Tsunoda.

At the moment, Norris is looking interesting (8.2 for a podium with Betfair). If Red Bull can sort themselves out then Perez (22 for pole, Betfair, or 15 each way with Ladbrokes) would be excellent value. And Sainz is very close to Leclerc and 6/6.8 for pole with Ladbrokes and Betfair respectively.

In strategic terms Norris could benefit if he ends up leading row three behind the Ferraris/Red Bulls as he can be pitted first but the teams ahead could be a lap behind with their second driver, potentially enabling the Briton to leapfrog one or two of them. Passing is nigh on impossible, although there was much more at Spain than is normally the case I think Monaco will remain very, very difficult for that given how tight the circuit is.

Bit surprised Bottas isn’t looking a bit faster, though (he missed first practice due to a reliability problem).

 

Unfortunately I don’t have time to wait for third practice. I’m tempted by Perez, each way at 15 with Ladbrokes for pole, and Sainz at 6 on the same basis. Decided to back both to win qualifying each way (16 and 6.5 with boost, with 2/3 of one stake on Sainz and 1/3 of one stake on Perez).

Qualifying is at 3pm.

 

Morris Dancer

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