Stanek says podium in Feature Race ‘possible’ after solid P6 in Monte Carlo Sprint

Roman Stanek enjoyed a “good” but “challenging” race to the points in the Monte Carlo Sprint Race, giving the Trident driver hope that they can celebrate their good form this weekend with a podium in the Feature.

Stanek started the race from fifth but lost out to MP Motorsport’s Franco Colapinto in the opening few corners. From then on, he managed the two Safety Car restarts and a late Red Flag well to cross the line in P6.

“It was a good race,” said Stanek. “There were not many overtakes because we are in Monaco and it's very hard to overtake. But I had quite a good start and then I was overtaken by one guy into Turn 1 and then from then on, I stayed in P6.

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“We had good pace to be honest, we will try to make some adjustments for tomorrow when we can score bigger points. So, overall, a very challenging race because you have to go close to the wall, you have to use all the track, but it was good.”

Explaining how challenging the race around Monte Carlo can be, Stanek said: “It is very difficult, it's physical but it's also very mental. I am quite tired now mentally. Tomorrow I will be more tired because it's challenging. But when you are going through the streets of Monaco it's incredible.”

Stanek’s performance came off the back of a strong result for Trident in Qualifying where his teammate Richard Verschoor took pole position. The second-year driver, who qualified sixth, admits there is some frustration there given his own pace in the session.

The 20-year-old had been in the battle for the top spot in Group B and for pole but on his final lap collided with the barrier at the swimming pool section. Despite that, he was looking at the positives given how well their car has performed this weekend.

“We had very good pace,” said Stanek. “Not in Free Practice, because it was raining so it was a bit challenging. I took it very easy in Free Practice, just doing laps and that was it, but in Quali we had very strong pace.

“I was not expecting to be as confident as I was. I was really fighting for the Pole Position. I crashed into the wall, I touched the wall in my fastest lap, at the exit of Turn 12 but that was the lap that was going to be Pole.

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“But I am satisfied in P6, my teammate is starting on Pole Position, that's a bit painful but it's okay. We did a very good step forward but for me as the driver I am happy with that.”

As for the Feature Race on Sunday, where the added factor of a mandatory pitstop comes into play, Stanek is hopeful that with the right strategy, moving further up the order and potentially to the podium is possible.

“The strategy will be very important,” he acknowledged. “A good start and strategy and just keep my elbows clean. Let’s see, if it's a clean race there is very little chance but if maybe the strategy pays off on our side, maybe it’s possible.”