Perez looking forward to Monaco debut

Sergio Perez is looking forward to racing at Monaco for the very first time.

The Mexican driver suffered a near fatal crash during last years qualifying and missed the race.

The Sauber driver suffered a heavy crash coming out of the famous Monaco tunnel and in an identical crash to Karl Wendlinger's back in 1994 he hit the barriers side on.

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He spent two evenings in hospital, missing the Monaco Grand Prix and was set to return at the Canadian Grand Prix having previously been passed fit by the FIA medical examiners.

However once in Montreal and back in the car, the then rookie felt ill and he later withdrew from the race, due to feeling dizzy.

It showed a high level of maturity for Perez, who despite being a rookie, he knew it was the best decision for both himself and the team, a decision a young driver eager to impress wouldn't always make.

So it's hardly a surprise that instead of returning to Monaco full of nerves about facing the corner that nearly killed him, the Sauber driver is actually looking forward to finally racing at Monaco:

“This Grand Prix is the most special one for me. I have been waiting to race in the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix all my life and, of course, after what happened last year I am looking forward to it even more.' Perez told formula1.com.

'I strongly believe on this track the driver can make more of a difference than on any other track. As a team we are in good shape and I want to keep that momentum for Monaco. I also think our car can perform quite well on that unique city circuit.'

Speaking more about his thoughts following the events of last year he concluded: 'Of course I also think back to the accident I had in Q3 last year. To me it is like a watershed event in my career. There is a time before and a time after the accident. I learnt a lot from what I had to go through and I think it made me stronger. I really want to show what I can do in Monte Carlo.”