Lando Norris "confident" of McLaren pace after overcoming "alien" Monaco

McLaren

Norris "confident" of McLaren pace after overcoming "alien" Monaco

McLaren finsihed half-a-second down on the session-topping Ferraris

Ewan Gale

Thursday 20 May 2021 17:40

Lando Norris believes he and McLaren are in a promising position after overcoming an "alien" Monaco circuit despite rivals Ferrari stealing a march with a surprise one-two.

McLaren finished sixth and 15th in second practice as Ferrari topped the order with Charles Leclerc fastest at his home circuit ahead of Carlos Sainz.

Despite the gap to its chief rival for third place in the constructors' standings, Norris told Sky Sports F1 he was happy with the situation after the first day of running.

"It's tough, Monaco isn't an easy track to get to grips with and get up to speed," said Norris.

"I felt pretty comfortable in the car since FP1. Normally it feels always a bit alien when you come here with the walls and the bumps and the way the track is shaved and stuff, it is hard to really build your confidence up.

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"The first lap I did, I felt pretty comfortable in the car, good with the braking which is very important around here. I feel good.

"We are not miles away, we are a realistic gap away from the guys ahead of us but the car is good and we have some things to improve on so I am pretty hopeful."

After Ferrari demonstrated strong pace in the final sector at the Spanish Grand Prix, an area of track viewed as a good indicator of form for the Monaco streets, Norris explained he was not surprised to see the Scuderia flying high in the Thursday running.

Asked if he had expected the strength of performance, he explained: "After Spain, yes. For sure, they were very quick in the last chicane and you always have corners you know are like Monaco and things like that.

"I text Carlos [Sainz] before the weekend saying I think he has a good chance of winning. We will see.

"From our side, I think it was expected, maybe not from the outside or for the viewers.

"We know where they are quick and not, this track suits them very well so not a surprise and if we look ahead to other tracks I am sure we can get back some places. They are looking strong so not ideal for us but we will do our best."