Fernando Alonso looks set to start the Monaco Grand Prix from seventh place after only suffering "minor" damage in his Q3 crash. The final part of qualifying was red-flagged after Red Bull's Sergio Perez crashed into the wall at Portier. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz also collided with the stricken car moments later. Almost at the same time, Alonso locked up and hit the barriers at Mirabeau, damaging the front end of his Alpine. After the curtailed session, Alpine Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer was optimistic that there would be no lasting damage to Alonso's car. “It’s fairly minor," confirmed Szafnauer. "Especially in comparison to how big crashes can be around Monaco, so the car will be fixed and ready for tomorrow’s race." Alonso explained that a lapse of concentration was to blame for the error on his final Q3 run. “Unfortunately, I locked up under braking for Mirabeau," said Alonso. "In Monaco when you lose concentration, even for a second, it can have a big impact, so I apologise to the team. “Nevertheless, we need to see tomorrow and if the rain comes as it could be very chaotic, with lots of safety cars and red flags."
Alpine confident regardless of race weather conditions
Alpine managed to qualify both cars in the top 10 for the third time this season, and have put themselves in a prime position to score points in Monaco. Alonso's seventh-place result was backed up by Esteban Ocon finishing Q3 in 10th. However, the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix is forecasted to be affected by rain, which has traditionally created adverse races in the Principality. Despite the threat of showers, Szafnauer believes that Alpine are well-placed to deliver on their points potential. “There is some uncertainty in the forecast, which we’ll keep an eye on," he explained. "Rain or dry, though, we’ve put ourselves in a strong position to score strongly with both cars.”
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