16/05/2005
NEWS STORY
Some say it's the humour. Others say it's the epic sweep. Many believe it's the memorable characters. Everyone finds something to love in the Star Wars Saga, but one thing everyone agrees on: No film series has more thrilling action than the tale of a galaxy far, far away. And what is a better place to promote the film than during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. With the famous Cannes Film Festival taking place just a few kilometres down the coast from Monte Carlo, Red Bull Racing and the makers of the Star Wars films are staging a promotional partnership over the weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix. 'Revenge of the Sith' is the sixth film and is due to go on general release shortly. The film’s director, George Lucas and some of the stars of the film will be guests of the team in Monaco.
David Coulthard: There’s something special about driving round the Monaco GP circuit. The first time I drove a GP car here I was sure that my back wheel would catch the barrier at some of the tighter corners, it just didn’t look possible to squeeze the car through. To be the fastest car around Monaco you need to have the wall of the rear tyre just kissing the barrier at several places on the circuit, which is an intense experience because of the concentration it takes. One slip and it’s all over, there’s nowhere you can relax. I’ve won Monaco twice and I drove one of the best laps of my life to take pole there too. I’ll be happy if we can come home in the points again and I see no reason why we shouldn’t be able to.
Tonio Liuzzi: I have raced here twice before in F3000: two years ago I had a big crash and last year I won. I like the challenge of this place, because you are faced with the two options of being quick and accurate or ending up in the wall. I’ve never been a big fan of street circuits, but Monaco is something special and I love it. The atmosphere is fantastic. The trick here is to have confidence in yourself and in the car. You need a different approach, because with no run-off areas, you can’t tell yourself you will brake later and see what the car does. I am feeling confident and well prepared and our car is good in terms of traction, which is very important here, so I think we can have a good weekend. The only negative thing is that I will be first on track for Saturday’s qualifying.
Christian Horner, Sporting Director: In many respects Monaco is the highlight of the Grand Prix calendar and is certainly a huge challenge for both drivers and teams. It is currently the only street race of the year and its unique layout makes overtaking virtually impossible to achieve. David has a fantastic track record at this circuit having won there twice. I also have fond memories of Tonio winning F3000 there last year. Red Bull Racing are collaborating with the new Star Wars movie, Return of the Sith, in Monaco. Characters from the movie will be guests of the team in the paddock and on the grid, which I’m sure will generate a great deal of interest. Monaco is the perfect setting to promote a movie and we are delighted to be part of the fun. Hopefully the force will be with us!
Gunther Steiner, Technical Director: The test programme in Paul Ricard went well. We got all our tyre testing done and we are very happy with the choice of tyres that Michelin has provided. We also tested some aerodynamic parts that we will introduce at this grand prix. They will give us more efficiency, which is very important at this circuit. Traction control is another area that we focused on during the test. With our current test programme we hope that we can continue to make improvements to keep up with the progress that the big teams are making.
Simon Corbyn, Head of Race Engineering, Cosworth: The unique nature of the Monaco circuit places maximum emphasis on good engine driveability and effective engine control systems. Cosworth have no concerns with the two TJ2005 race engines carried forward from the Barcelona GP and we will run with increased engine performance in the race at Monaco. Cosworth are well prepared for this event.