The STR3 has proved to be a major step forward this weekend in the rain with Sebastian Vettel picking up 4 points from 5th place. This gives us a total of 6 points so far and equal with Honda. Vettel finished just behind Mark Webber in the sister-Red Bull car coming in 4th, Red Bull Racings best finish this season.

Unfortunately Sebastien Bourdais and stablemate David Coulthard displayed some great synchronized crashing up at turn 3 after only a few laps, ending their race.

Sebastian Vettel (STR3-03) - Pos. 5th 

“The race today was extremely difficult, especially at the start when with all the water on the track surface there was a lot of aquaplaning. But we were very strong as the track began to dry and that’s what made the difference. It’s great to score my first points of the season at Monaco and with the new car as well. A big thank you to the team, who worked so hard to understand the car and improve it over the weekend. And a special thanks for the pit stop which was fantastic and gained me two places. These points are a nice present for one of our mechanics, Gaggio, who has been with the team for ever and we will have a nice party for him tonight with something to celebrate as this is his last race with the team.”

Sébastien Bourdais (STR3-01) - Retired

“The conditions were complicated as it is never easy to drive on these intermediate tyres when there is standing water on the track surface. As far as my accident was concerned, David had gone off the track. For some reason, even though it seemed to have stopped raining by then, there was more water on the track at that point than before and when I saw the yellow flags, I backed off a bit more and lost control of the rear of the car.”

Franz Tost - Team Principal

“Fifth place, four points, a new car and all at Monaco- fantastic! It was an exciting race and Vettel did an incredible job, especially at the beginning with these exceptionally difficult circumstances when he had a new car totally under control. Later, when he changed onto the dry tyres, he was one of the fastest on track. Doing this on his first appearance in Monaco in an F1 car and with the new car is really a fantastic performance. The team did a good job with the new car, especially as it did not ook so good after Thursday, but over the next two days, the car was given a completely new set-up, so congratulations to the engineers and everyone in the team for doing a fantastic job. As for Bourdais, he lost control of the car as he had to lift off a bit when Coulthard crashed. But there are plenty more races this year for him to show what he can do.”

Image copyright - GEPA Pictures.

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