Monaco Grand Prix: Monte Carlo (Race 6, 2014) - Qualifying

Rosberg claims controversial pole position in Monaco

Nico Rosberg will start the Monaco Grand Prix at the front of the grid after controversially taking pole position ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton. Rosberg posted the fastest time on his penultimate lap but stopped his car towards the end of his last lap on track after misjudging a turn. This meant that a yellow flag was brought out and Hamilton's hopes of stealing pole was diminished. The Red Bulls will start right behind the two Mercedes on the second row whilst Daniel Ricciardo outshone Sebastien Vettel and will start in 3rd ahead of his German team-mate.



My Opinion: 

Mercedes - Rosberg (Pole), Hamilton (2nd). Mercedes have locked out the front grid for the second race in a row but Rosberg controversially claimed pole after stopping on track right at the end of the final qualifying session. Hamilton was faster in the first section and could possibly have snatched pole for himself. However, it was not to be and it will be a very interesting spectacle to see how the two drivers opt to play it during the race. I expect the two Mercedes to finish in the top two positions but I doubt Hamilton will find a way past Rosberg throughout the race. 

Red Bull - Ricciardo (3rd), Vettel (4th). It certainly is no shame to finish behind the Mercedes but I'm sure Red Bull will be disappointed they couldn't get a car on the front row. Ricciardo outshone Vettel once again and is proving himself to be the real deal. Getting past a Mercedes looks unlikely but a podium should be a certainty for one of the Red Bulls. 

Ferrari - Alonso (5th), Raikkonen (6th). Ferrari proved to have the third fastest package on track today and it was Alonso who was the quicker of the two drivers. However, Raikkonen took 6th to equal his best result of the season. Anything higher than 5th would be a bonus for the team but holding onto their positions will be their aim for tomorrow. 

Force India - Perez (10th), Hulkenberg (11th). More of the same for Force India who only managed to see one car through to Q3. A disappointing result on the whole but I would expect points from one car whilst points from both cars may prove more challenging.
Williams - Bottas (13th), Massa (16th). Disastrous day of qualifying for Williams who had an absolute nightmare. Both cars were knocked out in Q2 which must have come as a surprise to the team. Massa and Bottas endured their worst results in qualifying this season as it was a real struggle for the team to get the most out of their cars. I can't see Massa getting into the points from 16th but Bottas may be able to move upj into the top ten if the race goes in his favour.
McLaren - Magnussen (8th), Button (12th). It's still not quite right at McLaren who only saw one of their cars progress into Q3. This time it was Magnussen who qualified 8th but Button will be disappointed that he could only manage 12th. I would expect to see Magnussen take some points home but Button could find it extremely tough to move up into the top ten.
Toro Rosso - Vergne (7th), Kvyat (9th). It was Toro Rosso's best qualifying result since the opening event in Melbourne. Both cars will start inside the top ten Vergne impressively took 7th. Consequently, I would be surprised it Vergne didn't finish inside the top ten tomorrow but Kvyat may fall down the order if he's not careful.
Lotus - Grosjean (14th), Maldonado (15th). Lotus have struggled terribly thus far this season and it didn't get too much better today. Grosjean and Maldonado had to settle for 14th and 15th respectively and it will take a massive effort from both drivers if they are to score any points this weekend. I don't hold out too much hope for them this time around.
Sauber - Gutierrez (17th), Sutil (18th). Sauber have achieved better results this season and it may prove to be a tough weekend for them as they failed to impress in qualifying. Gutierrez was the quicker of the two drivers but they were both knocked out in Q1. Points look out of the question and it may just be a race where data is collected from which they can hope to improve their package.
Marussia - Bianchi (19th>21st), Chilton (20th>19th). The Marussia's were faster than the Caterham's in qualifying but a penalty sees Bianchi drop two places and will see him start the race on the back row. Chilton will be hoping to win the battle at the back.
Caterham - Kobayashi (21st>20th), Ericsson (22nd). Caterham were the slowest team on track in qualifying but Kobayashi will start ahead of Bianchi. Ericsson was the slowest and will start at the back of the grid. 

Qualifying Grid and Starting Grid:

Q3

Pole: Rosberg (Mercedes)

2. Hamilton (Mercedes)

3. Ricciardo (Red Bull)

4. Vettel (Red Bull)

5. Alonso (Ferrari)

6. Raikkonen (Ferrari)

7. Vergne (Toro Rosso)

8. Magnussen (McLaren)

9. Kvyat (Toro Rosso)

10. Perez (Force India)

Q2

11. Hulkenberg (Force India)

12. Button (McLaren)

13. Bottas (Williams)

14. Grosjean (Lotus)

15. Maldonado (Lotus)

16. Massa (Williams)

Q1

17. Gutierrez (Sauber)

18. Sutil (Sauber)

19. Bianchi (Marussia) - Will start in 21st

20. Chilton (Marussia) - Will start in 19th

21. Kobayashi (Caterham) - Will start in 20th

22. Ericsson (Caterham)

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