DAMS driver Arthur Leclerc goes into his home race hoping for a positive weekend at the challenging circuit of Monaco. 

The young Monegasque made the step up from Formula 3 to Formula 2 this year, allowing him to race at his home track for the first time.

“Monaco is really difficult to overtake, especially in Formula 2.”

“The most difficult thing is to keep it outside of the walls and push to the limit.”

As shown in last year’s chaotic Monaco races, the safety car is no stranger to the track when the 22 drivers are pushing throughout a race. This gives the chance to teams and drivers, like Leclerc, to capitalise on opportunities that may place themselves in a better finishing position.

“It’s definitely the most important track of the year for Qualifying. When you look last year, Qualifying is always important in F2.”

Changing their Qualifying format for the tricky street circuit that is Monaco, Formula 2 split the field in two.

Racing with number 12, Leclerc will make his appearance in the first Qualifying group alongside the other drivers with an even racing number.

“It should be lower deg without the high-speed corners and with full downforce specification , which should help tyre management.”

Struggling with tyres frequently in his Formula 2 season, Leclerc hopes the slow-speed corners of Monaco should reduce the tyre degradation over both the Sprint Race and Feature Race.

“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere, the track and the feeling of racing the track and remember how I felt as a kid watching from the grandstands, it will be really special.”

After finishing fourth fastest in Thursday’s practice, Leclerc will be in the spotlight of Monaco and we will see how he fairs in the all important Friday Qualifying session as he hopes to move up from seventh in the drivers’ championship.

Image: Formula Motorsport Limited