'As usual qualifying will be the key in Monaco', says Grosjean

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Romain Grosjean will be heading next week to his fifth Monaco Grand Prix, but the glamorous Principality has never been dealt the Haas driver a meaningful result, his best finish having been achieved in 2014 with Lotus when he came home 8th.

As most drivers, the Frenchman admits having a soft spot for the coveted event however while well aware also of all its inherent challenges.

"Monaco is special to me because it’s kind of my home race," says Grosjean.

"We’re beside France and there’s always a lot of people, a lot of fans. It is, of course, special because of all the glamour because it is Monaco.

"Everyone knows Monaco and everyone wants to be in Monaco. It’s a very challenging track and a very long weekend with lots of demands, but at the end of the day it’s a very nice show."

Of all the venues on the Formula 1 calendar, Monaco is perhaps the race where the driver plays the most important role although mechanical grip is also paramount for one looking to perform in the glitzy limelight.

"Yes, it’s a driver’s track, where you need to have confidence in your car. But, on the other hand, if your car doesn’t give you any grip, you won’t have any confidence, and you cannot make any difference.

"It’s just finding that very fine balance in between the car, the driver pushing it, and the fact that yes, once you’re very confident, you can actually make a bit of a difference."

Unfortunately, overtaking remains a huge challenge around the treacherous guard-rail-lined circuit, which implies an extra effort in qualifying to secure the best possible place on the grid.

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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.