Motorsport: Contrasting fortunes for Kiwi pair

Mitch Evans has enjoyed previous success at Monaco. The Kiwi's hoping to get his 2014 season back on track. Picture / GP2 Media

Race strategy will be a key factor at Monaco, where passing can be tricky, writes Eric Thompson

Two New Zealanders are in action this weekend in support categories at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix - Aucklander Mitch Evans is hoping to get his GP2 championship back on track and Earl Bamber is looking to continue his good form in the Porsche Super Cup.

Evans has had a bit of a torrid time in the opening two rounds in Bahrain and Spain where his early pace didn't translate into points. As a result he's languishing back in 16th with two points, a massive 68 points off series leader Jolyon Palmer.

Evans has been quick this year, at times setting the fastest race lap, and really wants to make Monaco the start of his season, putting the previous dramas behind him. He should go well there, as it's a track he likes. He stood on the podium twice (third) last year and reckons he can do the same again this year.

"We just need to get some good points this weekend," said Evans. "We're going to have to forget about the last two rounds and kick-start our championship this weekend.

"I'm feeling good and we have a really good package and hopefully a few things will fall our way and we can start building some momentum, which we don't have at the moment.

"Mentally it's tough not being on the podium and winning races, but we've just got to chip away and we'll see what happens. We have to start strongly and make the most of the weekend."

Monaco is one of the very few tracks where the drivers don't get a chance to have a pre-event test, which adds to the drama of the place. In the past races have been won and lost on the strategy teams decide during a safety-car incursion, as tyre wear isn't a major because the track surface is on the smooth side.

"It's always tricky at Monaco," said Evans. "You have to qualify well because passing is so tough here. In race one you can make up a few places if you don't qualify well because of strategy, but it just makes your life so much harder.

"Qualifying well is down to me as the car's pretty balanced and I just have to put down a good lap. I like the track and it suits me, but there are so many things that can wrong."

There's not a lot going wrong for the other Kiwi in the principality this weekend. Bamber can't seem to put a foot wrong racing Porsche GT cars and has been on the podium numerous times this season in all three - Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and Porsche Super Cup - championships.

After the opening round in Spain, Bamber sits on top of the table having won the opening race and is also the leading rookie.

"It's going to be fun," said Bamber. "It's surprising to be at the front but on the other hand we've done a lot of work over the winter and have a really great package this year, which really helps.

"I really enjoy racing these cars and they seem to suit the way I drive. It's great that everyone has the same car so it's about getting the most out of the package. It's nice to be settled and in full campaigns for the first time in a while.

"This is my first time at Monaco and I love my street circuits. It's going to be amazing to be able to race at Monaco and even if we have a bad result, it's still amazing.

"It's going to be a challenging and interesting weekend, that's for sure."

Bamber is a busy man at the moment, contesting three championships, and will be belting up in June racing in a support category at the Le Mans 24 Hours.