Sergio Perez - Photo Credit: Sauber
Sergio Perez has described his accident in qualifying for last year’s Monaco Grand Prix as ‘a watershed event’ in his career, which has ultimately made him stronger.
The Mexican was forced to miss the race last season – and the subsequent Canadian Grand Prix – as he recovered from the heavy crash.
“Of course I … think back to the accident I had in Q3 last year,” said Perez. “To me it is like a watershed event in my career. There is a time before and a time after the accident. I learnt a lot from what I had to go through and I think it made me stronger.
Formula 1 returns to the streets of Monte Carlo next weekend, and Perez is hoping to show what he can do around the famous circuit.
“This Grand Prix is the most special one for me,” he said. “I have been waiting to race in the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix all my life and, of course, after what happened last year I am looking forward to it even more. I strongly believe on this track the driver can make more of a difference than on any other track. As a team we are in good shape and I want to keep that momentum for Monaco. I also think our car can perform quite well on that unique city circuit.
“I really want to show what I can do in Monte Carlo.”
Sauber team-mate Kamui Kobayashi achieved his best-ever result in Monaco last season – a result he matched last time out in Barcelona.
“I have good memories of Monaco,” said the Japanese driver. “I finished fifth there last year, which was really great. Monaco is a very special track for the drivers.
“Our car seems to be strong on most of the tracks. Now it will be interesting to see how competitive it will be on a street circuit, but I'm quite confident it will be strong there as well.
“In Monaco a lot of things can happen, therefore it's important to stay out of trouble and make it to the end. If we do that then I'm sure we will be able to fight for points.”
