Michael Schumacher set the quickest lap time in qualifying of the Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco, but because of a five-grid-spot penalty, the Mercedes driver will start sixth. Red Bull’s mark Webber will start from the pole in Sunday’s race.
Schumacher turned in a lap of 1:14.301 in the final seconds of qualifying, just after Webber had claimed the provisional pole with a lap of 1:14.381. The seven-time World Champion will be relegated to sixth on the grid for colliding with Williams driver Bruno Senna during the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago.
The veteran Mercedes pilot is still confident of his chance to win Sunday. “My situation is going to be pole, start the race in sixth and I’m going to win it. That’s what I’m here for and what I’m going to aim for. That’s all I gave in min mind and the past doesn’t matter at all,” he told the post-qualifying press conference on Speed-TV.
“It is simply a wonderful feeling to set pole after such a long time, and particularly here in Monaco. Okay, it has taken a little bit longer than I might have wanted in the second chapter of my career, but that makes it even sweeter. It’s just beautiful.
“We already thought that this circuit should suit us, and it’s the perfect confirmation of all the work from every team member in Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart—a big thank you to every one of them, because this is a team result.”
