Monaco: Midland F1 Online site preview

By Huw Alban
May 24 2006

In general the Monaco Grand Prix is not particularly popluar with the TV viewing audience, but I have to admit that I really enjoy this race. Monaco is so different, so unique, and so unpredictable that it keeps me glued to the screen right until the last lap.

As a street circuit, Monaco is not only tight and twisty but also exceptionally bumpy. This isn't a custom constructed smooth tarmac surface we're talking about here. Increased ride height, soft suspension setup, and aerodynamic advantages are the order of the day this weekend and it is obvious that the team have already been working hard to cope with these unique characteristics ahead of this race.

In a recent interview on the Midland F1 website, Technical Director James Key spelled out what the team had planned for this race.

Q. Looking to the next race at Monaco, where grid slot is vitally important and overtaking next to impossible, what developments do Midland F1 have planned to cater for this unique venue?

A. You’re right, in that Monaco is very much a special case that requires the car to be set up completely differently. Typically, it is possible to run very inefficient downforce so we will be running at maximum downforce with the addition of some new aero components. The bumpy surface and tight corners require a soft mechanical setup and maybe a shift in weight distribution. As well, the soft tyres run at Monaco tend toward an understeer balance, so we will be looking at ways of overcoming that while still looking after the rear tyres. We have some suspension modifications which will be introduced for Monaco, some of which will be carrying through as permanent development. Toyota are continuing their good development rate and have provided us with another step on the engine for Monaco.

It is a popular comment that Monaco isn't particularly demanding on engines, but the bumps produce a real risk of over-revving. In order to get the best out of Monaco a driveable engine is required with good low rev torque to push the car out of the low speed corners. Relatively short straights produce engine cooling problems which the teams attempt to resolve by openning up the bodywork.

Monaco is also a race of high attrition, either due to technical problems or driver errors. Clean, sensible driving at this circuit is rewarded with a finish and often a finish here means points scored. Christijan Albers agrees. "The underdog stands a bigger chance here because top speed isn’t such a factor," the Dutchman said recently in the official team Monaco preview.

"It’s the type of track where a good driver can make a difference by taking risks, so I’m really going to go for it. With all the updates to the car – the new chassis, suspension set ups and new engines – we hope to put on a great performance this weekend.”

Sounds good to me.

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