Oscar Piastri aiming for points with P11 start in Monaco
Oscar Piastri will be aiming for a top-ten finish in the Monaco Grand Prix after qualifying eleventh at the famous circuit.
The Australian narrowly missed out on the final session of qualifying after being edged out by teammate Lando Norris.
Oscar Piastri on track in Monaco. (McLaren Racing)
“P11. Shame to have missed out on Q3 by so little but, happy with the improvement I made,” said Piastri.
“We struggled through the practice sessions, so to get so close to Q3 in quali, I’m quite happy with.”
“Only one spot out of the top ten and anything can happen tomorrow. We’ll work hard this evening and see what we can do to work our way in to the points tomorrow.”
Norris was tenth-fastest in Q2 but hit the barriers, with his McLaren team making a remarkable repair to get him back on track for Q3.
The #4 McLaren driver was impeded on his final run as he came across Charles Leclerc in the tunnel, with the Ferrari driver slugged with a three-place grid penalty.
Team principal Andrea Stella was pleased with the team’s qualifying performance, keen to squeeze out any possible overtaking opportunities around the tight street circuit.
“Our qualifying session was intense and eventful, like most of the times we go racing in Monaco,” said Stella.
“We’re starting the Monaco Grand Prix in P10 and P11 and go into the race hoping to make progress with both cars.”
“Oscar made a really good step from his practice performance, progressed through Q1 comfortably, and was only a fraction away from Q3.”
“We’re in a decent position to score points and will be working hard this evening to ensure we can maximise our chances.”
The Formula One Grand Prix de Monaco is underway at 11pm on Sunday (AEST).
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