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. 

Technical Review - Monaco

Part of the historic foundations of Formula One, the infamous and notoriously narrow streets of Monte Carlo remains the highlight of the championship in every respect. Though the shortest track on the calendar, the circuit's variation of corners continues to spring a surprise every year. Typically, the cars run with maximum downforce and cooling due to the circuit's low average speed, compounded by the fact that the circuit does not have a long straight unlike the other modern circuits. The aerodynamic regulations from 2009 coupled with the ones from 2010 including the refuelling ban will make getting the best set-up at Monaco a challenge. Despite the less downforce, this is compensated by the slow sections and the grip levels afforded by the slick tyres. Another priority will be getting good traction under acceleration out of the circuit's many slow corners. Despite the various limitations in terms of the facilities compared to the modern circuits, the Monaco street track remains a favourite with drivers, teams and spectators alike. 

 

Year	Driver	Year	Driver
2008	L. Hamilton (McLaren)	1997	M. Schumacher (Ferrari)
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)

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