GP of Monaco Facts:

Full throttle ratio	42%
Top speed race	286 km/h
Longest flat-out section	8 sec / 510m
Right-/left-hand turns	12/7
Tyre wear	medium
Brake wear	high
Downforce level	very high
Gearshifts per lap	54

The difference between the good and the great in Formula One is in many respects differentiated at the Monte Carlo circuit. Likened to that of Indy 500 or Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix stands apart from all the other rounds. Easily the most identifiable and glamourous, it is also the one race every formula one driver dreams of winning.

The circuit demands highly precise driving combined with utter courage and technical superiority from both man and machine.

Drivers are at maximum concentration then at any other track in the world especially where there is absolutely no margin for any error at the Armco barrier-lined street circuit, devoid of run-off areas as found on the more modern circuits. On the streets of Monte Carlo, Formula One cars run with maximum downforce, while the brakes are working at extreme levels. Unlike any other grand prix, qualifying and race strategy play a critical role, as overtaking is close to impossible at the Monaco Grand Prix.

The key to a good lap time around Monaco is presented in the form of the Portier corner, preceded by the Loews hairpin - the slowest corner of the circuit, followed by the flat out section of the tunnel. Even the sport’s greats like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna have prematurely ended their races in the barriers here.

A win in Monaco means a place for the driver’s name in a list that includes the sport’s all time greats. Of them, Graham “Mr Monaco” Hill and Schumacher have five Monaco Grand Prix wins to their names. Alain Prost has four while Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart both have three wins each. However, the record number of wins at Monaco belongs to the late Ayrton Senna with six wins.

The Monaco Grand Prix has been a regular fixture in the world championship since 1955. Although a new pit complex and extra seating capacity were added in 2004 and moderations were made to the Rascasse corner in 2003, the circuit has seen very little change in its 50-year history. 

Situated about 20-minutes from Nice by train, Monaco is also accessible via fast road links by car and frequent bus shuttle service. There is also a helicopter shuttle service to and from Monte Carlo with a travel time of approximately seven minutes.

The nearest international airport is Nice’s Cote d’Azur airport, 37 kilometers from Monaco.


 

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“Monaco is part of the foundations of Formula One. The yachts, parties and glamour are intrinsic characteristics of the GP. The fans lining the streets of the principality experience motor racing up close and personal. Singapore is the only other venue where the spectators are so close to the action – they are practically part of the show. Even the smallest driver error is punished mercilessly here. Monaco has the lowest average speed of any grand prix on the calendar and the engine also has to work well at low revs. Robert picked up some silverware here in 2008 by finishing second and it would be nice if we could secure ourselves a place in the famous royal box once again this year.”

Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“In Monaco we run the cars with maximum downforce and cooling on account of the circuit’s low average speed. The new aerodynamics regulations for 2009 mean that the cars will have significantly less downforce available to them than last year, but that will be evened out through the slow sections, in particular, by the superior grip of the slick tyres. Achieving good traction is the main priority for the cars under acceleration out of the many slow corners.”

Robert Kubica: 
"I’m looking forward to Monaco hugely. I wasvery strong there in 2007 and 2008 and I’m a big fan of tight street circuits with barriers on either side. Monaco is one of these tracks. There are three or four really good corners, such as the swimming pool chicane and the section around the casino. The Monaco circuit is difficult to come to terms with and it isn’t easy to find the right set-up here. The 2008 race was amazing, with extremely tricky track conditions and unexpectedly heavy rain. I had problems with visibility and my tyres throughout the race. But in the end I managed to finish second, which I wasn’t expecting.” 
 
 

Year	Driver	Year	Driver
2007	F. Alonso (Renault)	1996	O. Panis (Ligier)
2006	F. Alonso (Renault)	1995	M. Schumacher (Benetton)
2005	K. Räikkönen (McLaren)	1994	M. Schumacher (Benetton)
2004	J. Trulli (Renault)	1993	A. Senna (McLaren)
2003	J. P. Montoya (Williams)	1992	A. Senna (McLaren)
2002	D. Coulthard (McLaren)	1991	A. Senna (McLaren)
2001	M. Schumacher (Ferrari)	1990	A. Senna (McLaren)
2000	D. Coulthard (McLaren)	1989	A. Senna (McLaren)
1999	M. Schumacher (Ferrari)	1988	A. Prost (McLaren)
1998	M. Hakkinen (McLaren)	1987	A. Senna (Lotus Honda)
1997	M. Schumacher (Ferrari)

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