Bottas eyes maiden Monaco points

Williams driver Valterri Bottas says he is determined to end his Monaco Grand Prix points drought during this weekend’s edition.

The Finn made his F1 debut in 2013, a year that saw his team struggle throughout the season. Despite Williams’ return to form in the latest 1.6-litre turbocharged era, Bottas has yet to score in Monaco, as the British outfit struggled with understeer on low-speed circuits.

Williams performance chief Rob Smedley recently said the Mercedes-engined FW38 was not a “one-trick pony” only able to perform at power-sensitive venues. Bottas now looks to put these words into action.

“Monaco is a unique grand prix and really challenging as a track for the drivers, especially mentally, as you have to keep focussed for the whole race distance and a good qualifying lap is crucial,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s a nice feeling when you do a neat lap there.

“It’s a big challenge. I’m still missing my first points in Monaco, so I’m looking forward to being able to achieve that.”

In his quest for his maiden top-10 finish in Monaco, Bottas admits he will also have to deal with a packed schedule off-track during what remains an event like no other.

“It’s a very busy week – it starts one day earlier than normal, because practice is on Thursday. Normally there are plenty of partners who come to Monaco for lots of events, so it’s probably the busiest race weekend off the track for me as a driver.

“It’s kind of like a home race as well, as I live there. It’s nice being able to either walk or scooter to the paddock!”

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