MONTE CARLO, Monaco — Drivers took a rare day off Friday ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, with teams keeping a careful eye on the weather.
Practice for Formula One’s signature race has traditionally started one day early — Thursday — to give the streets back to the residents of Monte Carlo before the start of a weekend crush in this small principality.
The roar of engines could still be heard as Bruno Senna — nephew of the late Ayrton Senna — won a GP2 race in sunny conditions.
However, showers were expected later in the day and cool, wet weather forecast for race day on Sunday. That could make it a memorable race since drivers’ aids — such as traction control — have been banned.
The lack of space at the notoriously tight street circuit means the metal barriers offer little run-off area. Fourteen drivers retired in 1996 when Olivier Panis won on a slick circuit.
“It’s going to be very tricky out on the track for sure, especially without traction control and the aids that we used to have last year … but that’s part of the game,” McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton said.
Hamilton set the pace at practice Thursday, with the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa — who have won the last four straight races — just behind.
Most drivers enjoyed a quiet day, while embattled FIA president Max Mosley was not seen in the paddock after returning for the first time Thursday.
Hamilton joined former world champion Mikka Hakkinen for a sponsors’ engagement in the morning, just like many other drivers, including BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld and Jarno Trulli of Toyota.
Most had to meet with engineers to discuss Saturday’s qualifying session before taking the afternoon off.
“I have to have a meeting because we need to look at the setup for tomorrow, but I’m having an off-day with my family, so it’s OK,” said Rubens Barrichello after signing autographs along the paddock fence.
Barrichello preferred to be sitting in his Honda, however.
“I don’t like to wait,” said the Brazilian driver, who will race in a record 258th GP. “When I take the plane to come to a race, I’m in the mood for a race.”
Hamilton, who finished runner-up to former teammate Fernando Alonso last year, will be looking to give McLaren its 15th win in 26 races at Monaco. Ferrari is looking for its first since 2001.
Overall leader Raikkonen has 35 points to lead Massa and Hamilton by seven.
If the weather holds, qualifying is the key on the bumpy streets where it is nearly impossible to pass.
“(It’s a) slow circuit from a racing perspective and there is no overtaking capabilities,” Brawn said. “Technically it’s not the greatest race … but it’s a great event.”
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