Arrows is looking to score a strong result at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, the team mindful of good technical progress it has made recently and Monte Carlo an event where “anything can happen”.

After solid tests and engine upgrades from Cosworth, Arrows has been faring better lately, the sixth place in Spain by Heinz-Harald Frentzen and then some good qualifying performances in Austria, which could not be converted into results after both Frentzen and Bernoldi were caught up on-track clashes.

Monaco is a unique layout on the calendar that demands high downforce and a precise balance, but Arrows, like some of the lesser teams, goes into the race with a chance of scoring points.

‘Austria was a shame for us as we felt we were more competitive there than we were in Spain and didn’t take any reward,’ said Technical Director Mike Coughlan. ‘Our competitiveness is increasing every race, but Monaco can always throw in a few surprises! It’s very important to find the right set-up there as the track is so unique. You need a high downforce balance, which must always take into account the very low levels of grip in Monaco.

‘We tested at Paul Ricard last week to work on finding the best set-up for the car as well as running various tyre compounds from Bridgestone all in preparation for this weekend, so I think we go to Monte Carlo well-equipped. We also carried out some straight-line tests in the UK, which is crucial to see how the aerodynamic package works under various conditions. I think we have a better idea of how we measure up to some of the cars further up the tables now so we want to continue to show the progress we are making.’

Heinz-Harald Frentzen is a Monaco resident, so he is looking forward to the event and believes his team can do well there.

‘Monaco is a great venue for a race and, in my opinion, is the best race on the calendar,’ said the German.

‘It’s my home, so I have extra opportunities to prepare myself for the race as I drive the streets most days so I really know them like the back of my hand. It’s very tight with some really good hairpins making it a very enjoyable track to drive. The circuit demands your full concentration at all times and you cannot afford to make any mistakes.

‘We tested at Paul Ricard last week to simulate some of the circumstances we will find at Monaco, grip levels etc., and we were pleased with our performance so that should give us plenty of data to help us with set-up for this weekend.’

Last year Enrique Bernoldi generated a lot of publicity for himself – keeping ahead of David Coulthard for half the race after the Scot had recovered from last following a stall, and then being admonished by McLaren chiefs after the race in Parc Ferme for what they deemed “blocking” the Scotsman.

‘I like Monte Carlo – I had a very exciting race there last year!’ he remembered. ‘It’s a very exhilarating track to drive, but it does not give any room at all for mistakes, which makes it a real challenge.

‘The corners are slow, with some very tight chicanes that are really tricky as the streets are so tight. As you have to be really focused all the time, it’s very demanding psychologically as well as physically, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.’