Brawn happy to be king in principality

Ross Brawn heads into the pressure-cooker environment of Monaco at least relieved to no longer be working for a manufacturer.

Although Brawn describes the grand prix weekend in Monte Carlo as ‘More stressful than any other race on the calendar’, for the first time in his career he will run the rule over the event as a boss.

Following the first five races of this year, Brawn could not have envisaged such a dream start to his reign, not when you consider how close he and the team were to not being on the grid at all.

But from the ashes of Honda's demise, Brawn GP has risen to the top of the championship standings, with Jenson Button so far on course to be world champion after winning four races.

Whether Brawn and Button would be in such an enviable position if Honda were still pulling the strings is a debatable point.

But it has not gone unnoticed the team is far more relaxed and laid back than in the past, and that has played its part.

Winning races has naturally helped, but the team belongs to Brawn now, and not someone else.

‘There's an element of that there, an element we are succeeding for ourselves, that we don't have a manufacturer stood above us,’ remarked Brawn.

‘We're doing it for ourselves, so there's a little bit of freedom, and maybe that is why the team is shining at the moment.

‘Everybody is performing well - the drivers, the factory, the engineers. People are working diligently at making the car better and the pit stops are perfect.

‘It's a team that has really come together. The adversity of the winter seems to have gelled everything even more.

‘Everything is running like clockwork at the moment, but whilst we all know destiny is just around the corner, we are being cautious.’

So to the unique challenge that is Monaco, and an unforgiving track that winds its way through one of the world's most famous cities, where nerve, concentration and precision hold the key to success.

For a tactician and technician like Brawn, the demands are acute and thrilling in equal measure.

‘Monaco is an unpredictable venue, and you have to take a very controlled approach to the race weekend,’ added Brawn.

‘The pit lane and paddock is an intense environment to work in due to the location at the heart of the city, and it is therefore more stressful than any other race on the calendar.

‘You can make just one mistake in Monaco and your race weekend will be compromised.

‘However, we love that level of extra challenge and it is what makes Formula One and Monaco so special.’

Neither Button nor team-mate Rubens Barrichello has triumphed in Monaco, although both have come close as they have each finished runner-up in the past.

This year arguably represents their best chance of victory, with Brawn commenting: ‘Monaco is a real drivers' circuit where their performance can make all the difference.

‘Jenson and Rubens are both precise and consistent drivers, and we will give them as much practice time out on track as possible to get into the rhythm of the lap.

‘Your aim in Monaco is always to secure pole, or as close to the front row as possible in qualifying, and take it from there.

‘As neither Jenson nor Rubens has won in Monaco, although both have stood on the podium, I'm sure they will be determined to make the most of the weekend.’

Button has already conceded he will have to be far more aggressive this weekend if he is to finally claim the win he craves at one of his two home races.

But with his rivals hot on his heels, Monaco resident Button knows there can be no room for error throughout the entire weekend.

‘To go to Monaco with the lead in the drivers' and constructors' championships is fantastic,’ said Button.

‘But we saw in Barcelona (at the Spanish Grand Prix) that the performance margins at the front are extremely close, so there will be a lot of competitive cars fighting it out this weekend.

‘I think we will see a very exciting qualifying session on Saturday as grid position is so significant in Monaco.

‘It's almost impossible to overtake once the race is under way, so being at the front and getting a good start will be important for a successful weekend.’