Monaco GP: Charles Leclerc targeting dream home win after securing pole for Ferrari

Charles Leclerc produced sublime form in qualifying as he topped Q1, Q2 and Q3 to take pole position in his home race; Carlos Sainz completed a Ferrari front row ahead of the Red Bulls; watch Monaco GP live on Sky Sports F1 on Sunday at 2pm

Charles Leclerc is targeting a dream home win at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday, after securing pole position, and Paul Di Resta believes he is “in a different world” in qualifying.

Leclerc topped Q1 and Q2 and then set the benchmark with a stunning early lap in Q3 of qualifying.

He was improving again in the closing stages when the session ended in dramatic fashion as Sergio Perez crashed and Carlos Sainz shunted into him on their final laps.

With the subsequent red flag, Leclerc had the best position on the grid wrapped up. He potentially would have gone quicker again, but was pleased with his day’s work.

“The first lap was really good, and I started to push a bit more, just like you always do in Monaco,” the Ferrari driver told Sky Sports F1.

“The second lap in Q3, I mean the last one before the red flag, was coming together really strongly. It was really on the limit; I was smiling all around the lap.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get to finish it but that doesn’t change anything, we are starting on pole and that is the best place to start the race.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Leclerc analyses the lap which secured him pole position at his home race in Monaco

It is very special. I’m so incredibly happy. It’s been a very smooth weekend until now, I knew that the pace was in the car and I just had to do the job.

Charles Leclerc reflects on securing pole position

Twelve months ago, Leclerc also put his car on pole in Monaco. However, a crash in qualifying meant he, ultimately, was unable to start the race.

The 24-year-old has endured terrible luck on home soil and has never finished a race around the Principality. Now, he is daring to think that this time things could end very well indeed.

“Of course, I dream of winning here,” he said. “Let’s see how it goes. I am approaching this race just like I did for the other races, and it has worked out.”

After warmer conditions during FP3 and qualifying on Saturday, there is the potential for rain to arrive in Monaco on Sunday. Leclerc is not too worried if that proves to be the case.

“Dry conditions are a bit more predictable, but whatever comes, we are competitive so we will be fine,” he said.

Di Resta: Leclerc in a different world

After Leclerc’s performances over the course of free practice and qualifying, Sky Sports F1‘s Paul Di Resta was extremely impressed.

“Nobody had an answer for Leclerc, [he was] absolutely incredible,” Di Resta said.

“The speed he carried into Massenet and Casino Square on that last run, which was aborted was incredible, he’d saved the best until last.

“I think he held a bit back from his team-mate to be honest, to play the mind games.

“He is just in a different world at the moment in qualifying and he’s put himself in a very good position in tricky conditions, if it is going to be wet. He should be very happy with how he achieved pole.”

A driver starting on the front row has won 11 of the last 12 races in Monaco, with Lewis Hamilton’s 2016 victory the only exception.

Therefore, the fact that Sainz was able to ensure Ferrari locked out the front row ahead of the Red Bulls, bodes well for them.

Sainz also believed he had more to give in qualifying, before it was abruptly halted when he collided into Perez. Nico Rosberg hailed the work of the Ferrari.

“Ferrari gave them an awesome car,” he said.

“We didn’t expect the Ferrari car to edge out the Red Bull like they did in qualifying so a great job from Ferrari there as well.”

Follow the Monaco Grand Prix on Sky Sports

Sky Sports F1 is your home for every race this season, and it continues with the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.

All the Monaco GP is live and exclusive on Sky Sports F1, while viewers will also be treated to the world-famous Indianapolis 500 on Sunday night. As always you can also follow the action from Monaco online via the Sky Sports App.

Sunday, May 29
8.45am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Monaco GP Build-up*
2pm: THE MONACO GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Monaco
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
6pm: Monaco GP Highlights
7pm: The Indianapolis 500

*simulcast on Sky Sports Main Event