Lewis Hamilton has hinted at an aggressive approach when it comes to qualifying for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.
Around the tight, twisty Monte Carlo street circuit, where overtaking is virtually impossible, it is crucial to claim pole position.
Hamilton has yet to achieve such a feat so far in his debut season as the championship leader has adopted a more considered strategy.
That was certainly the case in the last race in Barcelona where the 22-year-old opted for a slightly heavier fuel load than team-mate Fernando Alonso who pushed for pole.
The Spaniard failed in his bid, having to settle for second behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa who went on to win the race.
Hamilton started fourth, yet for the third successive race managed to claim second to open up a two-point cushion over Alonso in the drivers' standings.
If he is to retain, or extend such a lead on Sunday, securing his debut pole is vital.
Asked whether he would be aggressive, Hamilton replied: ‘I'm not sure.
‘In some races it's a benefit to be more aggressive because you are higher up the grid.
‘But as you saw in Barcelona I was on a longer strategy, and it actually worked in my favour.
‘So it's difficult to decide which strategy is the best.
‘I'm sure after practice we will have made a decision.
‘But here you need to be on pole, and I hope I get the opportunity to do that.’
There is no margin for error on an unforgiving track that can turn the slightest mistake into a race-ending one.
At least Hamilton knows what it takes to win on this circuit as he took the flag in GP2 en route to winning the title last year, and he emerged triumphant in both Formula 3 Euroseries races in 2005.
The young Briton added: ‘I feel more relaxed than I have ever been.
‘But it's all about being extremely focused and in the zone. You need to be sharper here than at any other circuit.
‘It's about digging deeper than ever to get that pole position, and to win.’
