Stuttgart, May 30: Ralf Schumacher has been warming up in the streets of his native Germany to prepare for Sunday's Monaco Formula one Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher drove his Williams through the streets of Stuttgart to get used to the tight corners that make Monaco one of the most challenging circuit in the world. The experience helped the German to clock the sixth fastest time on Thursday (May 29), the first day of practice ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix. "Monaco, you know, it's always special for us drivers, basically is very tight and a small circuit as one can imagine," said the German who would be 29 on June 30. This year, Ralf hopes to make one better than in 2002 when he finished third in the race won by McLaren's David Coulthard. It was the best result for the German, who never completed a race in Monaco, from his debut in 1997 to 2000, because of accidents. "It's very difficult to do the whole race distance on the limit without making mistakes. And if you do a mistake you usually end up in a barrier, so you have to very careful about. For spectators again, a very special feeling to be relatively close to us and to watch us going through the streets," Ralf said.


In Monte Carlo, the stage is set for the big day. Veteran driver Gerhard Berger, motorsports director at Williams engine suppliers BMW, took a tour down memory lane and agreed with Ralf Scumacher's assessment about Monaco.


"It is very difficult, physically and mentally, very difficult circuit, you have no run off areas, you have just barriers left and right, any small mistake end up is an accident, " said the 43 year-old Austrian.



Berger won a total of 10 races in his 13-year Formula One career, but never in Monaco where his best record includes a second place in 1988 and third in 1983 and 1989.


"It takes big balls to go through here quick, you have to have a clean line and, that's the only way to get the time but this "S" you can make real lap time," the Austrian added before heading to the garage.


Bureau Report