BMWF1Talk Track Guide :: Monte Carlo, Monaco GP

The Monaco Grand Prix (Grand Prix de Monaco) is a Formula One race held each year on the Circuit de Monaco. Run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world alongside the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, the Daytona 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its history, the spectacle of the event, and the glamour associated with it result in the race being considered "the jewel of the Formula One crown".

The first race in 1929, organised by Antony Noghes through the "Automobile Club de Monaco", was won by William Grover-Williams, driving a Bugatti. The event was part of the pre-Second World War European Championship and was included in the first Formula One World Championship in 1950. The race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, whose many elevation changes and tight corners make it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One. In spite of the relatively low average speeds it is a dangerous place to race.

Brazil's Ayrton Senna won the race more times than any other driver, with six victories, five of them consecutively from 1989 to 1993. However it is Graham Hill, a 5-time winner of the race in the 1960s, who is known as "Mr Monaco". Michael Schumacher also enjoyed some success at the circuit, taking five wins in Monaco as well. However, his last ever Monaco Grand Prix left his reputation there somewhat tarnished, when he was accused of cheating in the Qualifying Session by driving his car into the barriers at Rascasse, and thus holding up other drivers.

A high downforce set-up is the obvious choice at the Monte Carlo street circuit.

Last year, cars averaged a 45% full-throttle percentage over a lap of the circuit, with a top speed of 281 km/h.

Tyre wear and break wear is relatively low in Monaco, although tyre wear was a problem for some in the 2005 Monaco Grand Prix (notably Fernando Alonso). This however was a result of the rule change for the 2005 season stating that one set of tyres had to last the race distance. It should be noted that this rule was disregarded after just one year, and over the course of the 2006 Monaco weekend, tyre wear proved not to be a major problem at all.

BMWF1Talk Track Comments

I always look forward to Monaco - it's the only street circuit on the calendar (though that will change soon) and thus it gives the drivers a very different challenge from the one they are usually faced with at the rest of the season's venues.

Along with Spa and Suzuka, people often talk about Monaco being a driver's circuit - meaning that a good result at the circuit is often down to the driver's skill and ability. I, for one, am confident that we have one of the best driver line-ups on the grid, so that bodes well for the team ahead of the weekend.

The team are also taking a lot of new aero parts with them to the circuit, so hopefully, if we have sorted out those reliability problems, we'll be able to haul in a healthy amount of points on Sunday afternoon.

Chris, chris@bmwf1talk.com

Monaco, the most special F1 circuit. In Motorsports there are 3 events which represent its maximum expression: the 500 Miles of Indianapolis, the 24h of Le Mans and the F1 Monaco GP.
And it is not only due to its glamour and prices, but its unique layout. Running in such a special city, with such tight streets… and it’s so risky for the drivers!
But, in fact, they love it. It’s the most intense race for them, as it requires more concentration than any other circuit, because making a small mistake can cost you the race and end up in a big crash. Overtaking is quite difficult, but this is compensated by the surprises (accidents and reliability problems) that always happen here. It’s the only place where a back maker has a real chance of ever getting on to the podium (excepting wet races, of course!).

Here, aerodynamic efficiency is not that important, as they run with maximum downforce and grip levels. Having a good suspension, steering precision and traction is vital. Also managing well the ultra-soft wheels (finding the right strategy and balance between tyre wear and heavy fuel stints) will be determinant for the winner.

So, who will win?
Difficult to say. Ferrari have been the strongest so far, but Monaco has normally suited Mclaren, and now Ferrari are worried by their “exceptionally” long wheelbase, that could penalize their car’s agility, something very important on the tight streets of Monte Carlo. But expect other teams, such as BMW-Sauber or Renault to bring some surprises too.