Mercedes AMG Petronas
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg says that having a strong car for qualifying will be crucial in next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.
Rosberg has secured two successive pole positions but has so far converted them into only sixth and ninth place.
"I have good memories from the race last year after finishing in second place and I hope we can get another good result this time around," said Rosberg.
"At the moment we have a good car for qualifying which helps in Monaco as it's the most important qualifying session of the year as track position is so important. So that might be helpful for us but there are so many unknowns, especially with the tyres, so we will just have to wait and see."
Team-mate Lewis Hamilton agrees that qualifying is vital, but that Mercedes also need to improve their race pace.
"As a driver, you know that you have to perform on every single lap and it's a challenge that I really enjoy," says Hamilton.
"It's a real experience to see the barriers flashing past at high speed and I love the fact that the fans can get so close to the track making for a great atmosphere. Perhaps more than at many other tracks, qualifying and getting the best possible track position is crucial in Monaco, but we have to keep our focus on Sunday as well and keep working to improve our race pace."
Team principal Ross Brawn says his drivers should excel around the streets of Monte Carlo.
"Both Nico and Lewis have historically been incredibly competitive in Monaco and this weekend will certainly allow their talent to shine," he said.
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