Renault Sport
Jolyon Palmer says the potential arrival of wet weather could salvage a dismal weekend for Renault in Monaco, as he was knocked out in Q1 for the fifth successive weekend.
Palmer, who spun at high-speed during the final practice session, was able to set only the 18th quickest time during qualifying.
The Briton, yet to score points in Formula 1, hopes the anticipated stormy weather arrives during Sunday's Grand Prix.
"It was a tough session but ultimately the position is around where we’re accustomed to being," he said.
"It’s great to drive here and I was really hoping to get through to Q2 but we just didn’t have the pace.
"It’s a long race so I’m hoping for some big storms to help mix the field up a bit so we can drive through and get some points. Monaco is certainly difficult to overtake in a straight-forward race."
Team-mate Kevin Magnussen qualified in 16th and escaped a penalty for leaving the pit lane while the red light was on.
Stewards deemed that Magnussen crossed the line only "0.55 seconds prior to the car crossing the line.
"Further, the driver explained that he looked at the trackside light on approach, it was green, then he focused on the track ahead because there is a turn from the pit exit."
