Renault hoping to stay out of trouble and see the checkered flag

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Renault drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Jolyon Palmer will launch their race tomorrow from a better position on the grid than what they achieved in qualifying thanks to McLaren's penalties.

Hulkenberg, who failed to make the cut in Q2, qualified 12th but will start P10, while Palmer was 17th on the timesheet but moves up one spot, courtesy of Jenson Button and Stoffel Vandoorne's grid penalties.

Relative to the mid-field opposition, Renault had not been too happy with its performance in Monaco since Thursday.

But the team put its head down yesterday and sought a direction which appears to have improved the RS17's set-up and balance.

"I think that was the best we could have got from the car today," said Hulk.

"We’ve been struggling all weekend long with a lack of lack grip and balance which reflected on Thursday’s times.

"We managed to improve the car and I’m really happy with my laps. Tomorrow’s likely to be a tough day in the office.

"You have to stay sharp and on your toes as Monaco can always hold some surprises and you always have to be ready to pick them up in case there are some so we are prepared as normal and try and have a good race."

Video: Prost and Jabouille enjoy Renault demo run

Jolyon Palmer believes there is more to his qualifying performance than the mere result.

"I felt quite happy with the car today; even though we haven’t looked too competitive, I’ve always been nip and tuck with Nico through the weekend.

"I’m disappointed with my qualifying position, but I don’t think that’s a true reflection of what we can do.

"I just kissed the wall on my first set of tyres, which gave me a puncture on the rear left. It was all to do on my final lap, but that time wasn’t good enough for Q2.

"The cars are pretty wide and the track is pretty narrow so it’s going to be a challenge tomorrow. Anything can happen in Monaco, so let’s see what we can do."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.