With ample history to rich culture to Formula One paddocks as well as to the principality that made Grace Kelly turn from an actress to a princess. Our next stop: Monaco.
The Monaco Grand Prix, or as quoted from Lotus’ Romain Grosjean as the ‘unofficial French Grand Prix’, is by far the most prestigious Grand Prix of all as it is one-third of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which comprises of two other major events – Indianapolis 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The only racer who has ever completed the Triple Crown was the famous Graham Hill and the record was never rewritten since. Known as ‘Mr. Monaco’, Hill had won the highly reckoned Grand Prix five times in the 60s, before it was equalized by Michael Schumacher and having Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna take over the throne with six wins starting from the late 80s till 1993.
The Monaco street race is indeed one of the most famed Grand Prix aside from fan favourites Monza and Germany. It is nicknamed the ‘jewel in the crown’. With the official French Grand Prix being stripped down the schedule, Monaco does quite a great job in substituting the French atmosphere. Here are some fun facts for you before you get to the preview.
DID YOU KNOW?
Monaco is the home to many Formula One drivers
There has not been a single Formula One champion that hails from the independent state of Monaco, but many drivers from all around the world have opted to stay in the principality.
One of the drivers was born to a Finnish father and a German mother in a German city. He holds dual citizenship and races for a German marque. He is known for his absolutely proficient multilingual skills and is team mates with his British best friend. Did you guess who he is?
You’re right, it’s Nico Rosberg. Son of the year 82’ world champion, Keke Rosberg, Nico often spent time with his family in Monaco, and the place had a strong influence on him. Till today, Nico still regards Monaco as his home and currently resides there with his family.
Not to mention, Nico is the only current driver apart from Fernando Alonso to have won the Monaco Grand Prix for two consecutive times!
Besides Rosberg, Jenson Button also lives in Monaco. The Briton had won the 2009 edition of the GRP with Brawn-Mercedes. Two-time Le Mans champion and former Williams’ driver Alex Wurz, British powerhouse David Coulthard and Italian Giancarlo Fishichella also opted to reside in the beautiful state.
Monaco is where drivers play a key role
It’s like trying to cycle round your living room – Nelson Piquet, World Champion of year 81′, 83′ and 87′
With revamped engines and upgraded systems, there’s nothing that can compete to a driver’s influence over the Circuit de Monaco.
Thanks to Antony Noghès (founder of the Monaco GP) for recommending a street race that comprises of the streets of Monte Carlo and La Codamine, the drivers and viewers can sit back and relish on the picturesque street race that currently surrounds casinos, churches, swimming pools, Hercules Port and many more. However, it is because of it being a street race, the drivers play a pivotal role in the thriving.
“Driving a Formula One car anywhere is special – the speed, the power and the acceleration just blows you away – but here it’s like trying to do a lap in a supermarket, and that’s just so, so cool,” Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo said as quoted from Formula1.com.
The Monaco Grand Prix is known as the confidence booster of all seasons as the winner proves himself stake-worthy of a good driver because over-taking is almost ‘mission impossible’ (even in the DRS zone) in the challenging circuit, where all corners are important. In fact, during the 2003 race, there was no overtaking at all.
Even a small error in the streets is fatal therefore the qualifications arise as the most important event of the Grand Prix. The pole takes it all. However, there were several cases of magnificent overtaking but majority of the winners had started from pole position. All in all, a steady handling of the car in such narrow streets will ensure a place in the points.
A memorable event was when Jules Bianchi was active and drove for Manor Marussia. The Frenchman scored his and Marussia’s first ever points in Monaco with his immaculate skills before the terrifying crash at Suzuka. (Forza Jules)
It was by far the most emotional GP for Marussia as they were seen celebrating in utter jubilant.
ODDS
Before we head into the predictions, let’s rejoice as we can finally see the Pirelli supersoft tyres make its first appearance this season.There is no distinct preview on who will cross the chequered flag first but as said, the qualifying round plays a significant part of the race.
Rosberg has had a great time in Monaco for the past two years and if the German manages to maintain his performance from the topsy turvy Barcelona track, Monaco would not be a beleaguering task for him. In fact, the probability of a Rosberg triumph is quite high.
The fastest lap ever was set by Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in 2006 and had never been surpassed since. Should he repeat it again depends on his way of controlling the car and he has been doing quite a good job in that thus far.
Sebastian Vettel took on the spotlight this year but can the lad fight for another 25 points? The German is determined but team principal Maurizio Arrivabene had said that this could be a very hard task due to the updates of the car.
There are possibilities of McLaren-Honda scoring some points this race. Despite a faulty start to the season, statistics show that Button and Fernando Alonso could be in a path to the top ten.
With 19 corners and 78 laps, the racers will take on the fabled Monaco Grand Prix main race on May 24.
Photo credits: marvel-movies.wikia.com
Other posts by Michelle Liew
