Sergio Perez has described his horrifying smash in last year's Monaco Grand Prix as "a watershed event" he feels has made him stronger.
Perez returns to Monaco next week with memories still fresh from his crash in qualifying nearly a year ago which resulted in him spending two nights in the local Princess Grace hospital
The young Mexican, being touted as a potential replacement for the under-performing Felipe Massa at Ferrari, lost control of his Sauber coming out of the tunnel.
Perez's car initially hit a metal barrier before wrapping itself around an impact-absorbing techpro barrier side on at the harbour chicane.
Perez had to be attended to at the scene for 15 minutes but suffered nothing more than concussion and a sprained thigh, although was forced to miss the subsequent race in Canada.
Recalling the incident, Perez said: "Of course I 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."
Perez was poised to guarantee himself a place in the top 10 of the grid for the first time last year before his accident.
After starting the current campaign strongly, notably finishing second in Malaysia, Perez is hopeful of again proving himself in Monaco.
The 21-year-old added: "This grand prix is the most special one for me.
"I have been waiting to race in the Monaco Grand Prix all my life and, of course, after what happened last year I am looking forward to it even more.
"I strongly believe on this track the driver can make more of a difference than on any other.
"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 circuit."
