Lewis Hamilton was in a good mood after qualifying in Monaco, despite finishing the session in only fourth place – the first time all year he has been outside the top two.
Normally that would not be very encouraging, but not only did he gain third from Michael Schumacher’s penalty, but traditionally the driver in that position gets away better than the guy in second. Hamilton thus could well find himself with only Mark Webber ahead of him by the end of the first lap.
Bidding to become the sixth winner of 2012, Hamilton said he enjoyed the qualifying session.
“It was very exciting, massively tough,” said the McLaren man. “It was one of the toughest qualifying sessions I’ve experienced for some time. But it was so much fun, I really, really enjoyed it. The guys did a great job preparing the car and I think we probably struggled a bit in the middle and the last sector, it was more the low speed corners where we were not so quick.
“I’m fortunate to have Michael having the penalty, so that puts us a little bit further ahead. I’m really happy.”
Lewis remains optimistic for Sunday: “I think it’s going to be a tough race. I don’t know what the weather’s going to be like – they said it was going to rain today, and obviously it hasn’t. All of sudden tomorrow’s weather forecast is even better. Tyres and strategy can play a big role here, if we get a good start then we’re in fighting position for the win. I’ll give everything tomorrow to move up.
“I’ve got a good feeling about the weekend, but I’ve got two great drivers in front of me who will make it as hard as possible for me to get by to beat them, but we’ll do everything we can.”
Adam Cooper F1 
All the very best Lewis for tomorrow hoping I will be able to open my bottle of champagne having a get together at my house so go for it making it as exciting as possible that’s what we love. So all the best you essence it.