Force India still aiming for a double-points finish

Despite mixed results in today's qualifying session, Force India's Bob Fernley is still looking at a sixth consecutive double points-finish for Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon.

While Perez's P7 place on the grid bodes well for the Mexican's chances tomorrow, Ocon's P15 has the Frenchman up against a big challenge.

"Grid position is always vital in Monaco and seeing Sergio up in P7 means we are well placed to score points tomorrow," says the deputy team principal.

"The team worked hard yesterday to improve the car and the changes ahead of final practice certainly paid off.

"It was a tough day for Esteban with the crash in final practice, but the crew did a fantastic job to get the car repaired and out in time for qualifying.

" It was always going to be difficult for Esteban to jump back in the car and be totally comfortable so we didn’t maximise our potential today.

"It’s a long race tomorrow and both drivers love this track so we will be aiming to get both cars home in the points once again."

Perez felt he had made the most of the afternoon's session.

"I’m very happy with our result today," said Checo.

"I think we got the maximum we could from the session. Every lap in qualifying is crucial here and you need to be on the pace from your first lap to get a good result.

"We made the right calls to avoid the traffic and we found the rhythm straight away, which is why I only had to complete one run in Q1.

"Everything can happen in Monaco so I am not going to make any predictions for tomorrow.

"The race will be long and you cannot have any lapse in concentration – any mistake here means you can get a puncture or crash out of the race, so we need to focus on the job and try to bring home another good result."

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A disappointed Esteban Ocon went for a conservative approach in the afternoon grid-defining session, as forewarned is forearmed.

"I’m feeling disappointed because we had a quick car today and the pace to make Q3 – just as Sergio did.

"But that’s what happens when you crash before qualifying. The team did a great job to repair my car and both sides of the garage helped get me out in time for Q1 – it shows our great team spirit and I have to say a big thank you to everybody.

"However, after an accident the car never feels quite the same and you lose the feeling you had. I had to adjust quickly and I couldn’t find the pace we showed in practice.

"Going into the race I still believe we can fight for points. Anything can happen here and it’s a long race."

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