Pre-race Monaco quotes and what the drivers really mean

Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
“There is nothing like the Monaco GP. To race in the Principality is really different from everywhere else: it is really difficult to have a perfect weekend here. When you manage it you know the great feeling you get by winning the race here. The race in Monaco is the race. It’s a legend amongst all the races. My success here in 2005 is maybe the most memorable of all my races. So to win it again would be just as special.”
What he really means: “I don’t give a shit about Monaco.”

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Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
“Monaco (is) my favourite race. You have the history all around, you can just feel it, and the atmosphere is fantastic. It is the Grand Prix that every driver wants to win. Being a street circuit it is very exciting to drive - there is no room for any error all weekend. You are on the limit the whole time, there are no long straights where you have a moment to think. It is so tight and narrow, and when you consider how quick you are driving it is unreal. To be quick you need to use every centimetre of the circuit - this even includes touching the barriers at some points.”
What he really means: “I love Monaco because I can drive like a mentalist on a real street circuit.”

Felipe Massa (Ferrari)
“I have to admit that this is not one of my favourite circuits. In terms of driving pleasure, I prefer the fast flowing places like Turkey, Bahrain and Barcelona for example. But that does not mean we cannot be strong here… One thing I really do like about Monaco is that I can stay at home every night. It is really good and as I live quite close to the track it does not take me long to get to the pits in the morning. I really enjoy returning home, which makes a pleasant change from all the hotels we stay in throughout the year.”
What he really means: “I hate Monaco with its Mickey Mouse circuit.”

Fernando Alonso (Renault)
“To win in Monaco is very special for a driver. It’s a race that I enjoy because the atmosphere is unique and driving through the town is very exciting… We have progressed, but we are still behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW. Even though Monaco is a circuit where the driver can really make the difference, a good car will always be an advantage and makes things easier.”
What he really means: “My car is shit, I am brilliant.”

Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber)
“I am really looking forward to Monaco. 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.”
What he really means: “I like looking at the chicks in bikinis by the swimming pool.”

Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren)
“I always enjoy driving at Monaco because it is a very challenging circuit. Some people think because it is not as fast it must be easier, but it is not very forgiving and you have to focus every single moment and be the maximum on each lap, you can’t relax anywhere. It also has unique characteristics, such as the sound is very different. It is louder even in the car because of the buildings surrounding the track. All the drivers like it because it is a challenge, and we like our challenges!”
What he really means: “Speak up, I’m going deaf…”

Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber)
“Monaco goes quite crazy during Grand Prix weekend. The town and the harbour are all packed to bursting point. Of all the GP races, this is definitely the one that has the most to offer spectators. For one thing, there’s nowhere else you can get so close to the action. The engine noise is stupendous and the razzmatazz is simply unique. I always enjoy coming to Monaco. That said, I have to admit it’s all a bit too frenzied for me in the long run, which is why a few years ago I decided to move to Switzerland.”
What he really means: “I’m German, I hate razzmatazz.”

Jenson Button (Honda)
“The Monaco Grand Prix means a great deal to me as it is one of my three homes races of the year, along with Silverstone and Japan. However, being a resident of Monaco is of no benefit over the race weekend as the Principality is completely transformed! It’s unbelievably busy and getting around can be just impossible. My top tip would be to walk everywhere or use a scooter. What I love about Monaco is that it is a fantastic race for the fans who can get so close to the action and noise of Formula One.”
What he really means: “Did you notice the part about my three international homes?”

Nico Rosberg (Williams)
“It will be a great weekend as it’s also my home Grand Prix. My family and friends will all be there and, for once, the journey to the track will be a short one, just a 100-metre walk! I can’t wait!”
What he really means: “Yeah, I’m rich enough to live in Monte Carlo, suckers. And I’m just 22, suckers!”

Giancarlo Fisichella (Force India)
“Monaco will be my 200th race start, and it feels a long way away from my debut that’s for sure, but I still feel as good and as confident as I did back then. Rubens Barrichello’s record of 257 starts will be hard to beat, but there is definitely a feeling of satisfaction to reach this milestone that only a handful of other drivers have got to.”
What he really means: “I’ll never win a race again.”

Rubens Barrichello (Honda)
“This will be my 16th Monaco Grand Prix so I know the circuit very well by now! Like everyone, Monaco is one of my favourite races and I have been successful here in the past, finishing on the podium four times. I particularly enjoying qualifying at Monaco, it’s one of the biggest challenges of the year to get it right and give yourself the best chance in the race. Experience does count around Monaco as the driver and your strategy can make the difference to the outcome of your race, it’s not purely about car performance. And of course, on the day, you have to keep the car out of the barriers and bring it safely home.”
What he really means: “I used to be somebody. These days, I’m happy with a top-ten finish.”