Nael hoping to replicate Macau magic in Monte Carlo

Théophile Nael got his Monte Carlo weekend off to the brightest possible start on Thursday, as he topped the opening session in Free Practice.

The Campos Racing driver set a 1:25.794 to lead the pack and after returning to the paddock, the Frenchman said he was in a confident mood based on the team’s work in the Practice session.

“I'm super happy, P1, to start the weekend. Obviously, it's super nice to start like that. I know that we can still improve the car a bit with some details, but I’m confident for tomorrow.

“I took it easy this morning, just building the pace lap after lap. I think that will be the key tomorrow as well, not to rush too much, just take it easy, stay calm, and try to be as calm as possible. That will be the key to success tomorrow.”

Nael was at the sharp end throughout the session, and he puts that down to the extensive work he and Campos put in during the extended break following Melbourne.

The team were also competitive at the in-season test around Red Bull Ring last month, and heading into Qualifying the 18-year-old is targeting the coveted P1 spot on the grid in the Principality.

“To start the weekend like this, especially after three months off more or less, I’m very happy.

“It means that the work that we have been doing in that time off is paying off once again. Tomorrow will be super tight in the fight for pole, but like I said, a clean lap will be the key.”

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Nael achieved top spot in Qualifying around the famed Macau street circuit last year, and hopes to replicate his success half a year later around Monte Carlo.

While he wasn’t getting ahead of himself, Nael said that he was feeling good about the weekend so far, both in and out of the car.

“I did pole in Macau as well, so I felt confident today. I will try to take the same approach for tomorrow that I took in Macau. So, let's see. Maybe street circuits are a big strength for me, I hope. We’ve just started the weekend, but I enjoy driving here in Monaco. It's kind of a home race for me as well.

“The place is full of French people, so feeling really, really good. I have some friends here as well, my family, so I cannot complain at the moment.”

Asked specifically what he believes the toughest part of the Qualifying half hour will be on Friday, the Frenchman said that remaining in sequence with rivals while balancing tyre operating windows will be a tricky balancing act.

“I think the toughest part is to be in sequence with the others, that will be a key tomorrow as well. Trying to get the tyres ready as well to be in the window at the same time, I think that will be the toughest part for tomorrow. But I think we have a clear idea of what to do and what to not do tomorrow.”