RENAULT’S drivers are preparing for an exciting – yet nerve-wracking – weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The Enstone-based team prepare for Formula 1’s most prestigious race around the streets of Monte Carlo sitting fourth in the constructors standings.

Renault are battling to finish fourth at best with one point separating themselves and fifth-placed McLaren.

Carlos Sainz has finished inside the top ten in each of this three visits to Monaco and is fully aware of the challenges.

He said: “Qualifying is crucial, and it’s usually very tense.

“When you nail your qualifying lap at this track, there isn’t any feeling like it – it’s amazing.”

Nico Hulkenberg’s best performance in the principality came in 2014 when he finished fifth for Force India.

The German cannot wait to take to the famous streets once again.

Hulkenberg said: “Nothing compares to Monaco, there is no place like it.

“It’s the highlight of the year and the race I most look forward to.

“It’s just so unique and special in every aspect – the glitz, the glamour, the circuit itself, the whole vibe is amazing throughout the weekend.”

Williams head to the unforgiving street circuit hopeful of sneaking a top-ten finish.

The four points Lance Stroll scored in Azerbaijan a month ago are the Grove-based teams only high in a season of struggles.

The Canadian said: “The weekend is full of hype, and the guests and fans really get into it.

“The harbour is full of boats and there is a lot going on.

“It is a cool event and the track is pretty spectacular to drive.

“Luckily as a driver I don’t get distracted by what is going on as I just stay in my bubble and focus on the race.”

Sergey Sirotkin is yet to score a point in 2018, but has been on the podium at Monaco before in GP2.

He said: “It’s going to be a very good experience driving there for the first time in a Formula 1 car.

“Obviously, it will be quicker than what I’ve driven there before, which will make it more exciting.”

Romain Grosjean remains upbeat despite being the other driver in the paddock still searching for a point.

The Frenchman crashed out after just three corners in Spain two weeks ago.

But he is hopeful of ending the miserable run in his Banbury-prepared Haas this weekend.

Grosjean said: “We’ve got 16 races to go.

“It’s been a tough series recently, with tough luck.

“There’s a lot more races, and as we’ve said, the car is fast at a lot of circuits.

“I’m very much looking forward to the next race.”

Teammate Kevin Magnussen, who is ninth in the driver standings, added: “Monaco is a very tricky race as you’re constantly building up speed.

“It’s not an easy track.

“You’ve got walls everywhere, and the consequence of a mistake is very high in Monaco.”