Mercedes’ Rosberg aims to return to winning ways in Monaco Grand Prix after Hamilton crash
Published:Lee Gormley | May 25, 2016
Monaco Grand Prix
- Sunday, May 29th
- Race starts: 13:00 BST
- Circuit de Monaco, France
- Live on Sky Sports F1
Mercedes stars seek return after Spanish crash
Mercedes will arrive in France hoping their Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship hopefuls Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton can recover from their crash in Barcelona, with the duo set to go head-to-head once again in this Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix.
At the testing Circuit de Monaco, Championship leader Rosberg will take to the track as the 7/4 second-favourite for victory with Coral, behind front-runner, teammate and reigning champion Hamilton, who is 13/8 to prevail.
The pair saw their uneasy rivalry take another turn for the worst when their Spanish GP hopes were dashed swiftly last time out, as they collided on turn four during the opening lap and ended up in the gravel.
Although, the crash was the catalyst for one of the most memorable moments in recent F1 history, as it ultimately saw the crowning of the youngest ever race winner in Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and the 18-year-old is 13/2 to repeat his heroics in Monte Carlo.
Rosberg hopes to return to winning ways
German steerer Rosberg has triumphed in the last three years around the Monaco circuit and will hope for a repeat this weekend, with the Championship front-runner looking to bounce back from the disappointing crash on Spanish soil.
“I was gutted after what happened in Spain – for myself, but mostly for the team,” revealed Rosberg, who is 15/8 to record the fastest lap in Monte Carlo.
“We’re in this together and I know how hard everybody works to make these amazing cars, so for us to leave them both in the gravel is the worst possible scenario. But we’ve talked it through and now it’s time to leave it in the past.
“It’s one of my home races next in Monaco – the ultimate driver’s track. It’s where I grew up and where I still live today, so that always makes it a special weekend.”
“Bring on the battle!”
The 30-year-old holds very fond memories in the south of France, but he is expecting tough competition from Ferrari and Red Bull this time around, with Sebastian Vettel 7/4 for a podium finish and Australian Daniel Ricciardo 11/2 to secure claim first place.
“I have memories from every corner going right back to my school days and I always have great support there from my family, my friends and the fans, which gives you that extra boost through the weekend,” he continued.
“It’s been amazing to win there for the past three years – but I know it will be tough to repeat that with Lewis, the Ferraris and the Red Bulls all so strong now. I’m feeling confident, so bring on the battle!”
No Briton has prevailed in Monaco since 2008 when Jenson Button emerged victorious, while Hamilton secured success the previous year, but even odds can be had on the 2016 victor being British, while a German winner is 11/10 with that outcome occurring in four of the last five seasons.
Former world champion Button is 2/1 to rally to a top six finish in Monte Carlo, with his team McLaren being the record winners on this circuit, while Fernando Alonso, the only Spaniard to have ever won on this track, is 13/8 to achieve that feat.