The Monaco Grand Prix is the one race of the year that every driver dreams of winning. Like the Indy 500 or Le Mans, it stands alone, almost distinct from the sport from which it was born. A combination of precision driving, technical excellence and sheer bravery is required to win in Monte Carlo, facets which highlight the differences between the great and the good in Formula One.
The Armco barrier-lined circuit leaves no margin for error, demanding more concentration that any other Formula One track. Cars run with maximum downforce and brakes are worked hard. Overtaking is next to impossible so qualifying in Monaco is more critical than at any other Grand Prix.
The Portier corner is key to achieving a good lap time around Monaco. It is preceded by the Loews hairpin, the slowest corner in Formula One, and followed by the tunnel, one of the few flat-out sections of the track. Some great names have ended their races in the barriers here, most notably Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
To win in Monaco places a driver’s name on a list that includes many of history’s all-time greats. Both Graham Hill, the man nicknamed ‘Mr Monaco’, and Schumacher have won it five times, Alain Prost took four victories, whilst Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart each won here three times. But the record of wins in the Principality resides with the Senna, who won in Monte Carlo six times. The race has been a regular fixture of the world championship since 1955, but in that time the circuit has changed remarkably little. Slight alterations were made for the 2003 event, in particular a new, gentler entry to the Rascasse corner, with even bigger changes in 2004, with a new pit complex and increased spectator capacity.
Loved by most (if not all) the drivers, the Monaco Grand Prix is a standout circuit with a wonderful history. It’s one of the most challenging circuits as drivers are forced to push themselves (and their cars) to the limits and we all know that qualifying is key!
Did you know?
The 3.34km Monte Carlo street circuit first hosted an F1 race in 1950 and has since developed a reputation for glitz and glamour.
The Monte Carlo street circuit has hosted 61 grands prix, second only to Monza in Italy.
Scuderia Ferrari had not posted a win at Moanco since Y 2001 when Michael Schumacher’s took the Chequered Flag, before Sebastian Vettel won last season
Monte Carlo 2018 race viewing program
THURSDAY MAY 24TH 2018
6:00 am Closing the circuit
10:00-11:30 am Formule 1 TM – 1st free practice
12:00-12:45 am Formule 2 FIA – Free practice
2:00-3:30 pm Formule 1 TM – 2nd free practice
4:15-4:55 pm Formule 2 FIA – Qualifying sessions
5:30-6:15 pm Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – Free practice
7:30 pm Opening of the circuit
FRIDAY MAY 25TH 2018
6:00 am Closing the circuit
8:00-8:45 am Formula Renault 2.0 Series – Qualifying sessions
9:45-10:15 am Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – Qualifying sessions
11:15-12:20 am Formule 2 FIA – 1st Race (42 laps or 60 mn max)
12:50 am-1:20 pm Renault Sport Celebration
2:00 pm Opening of the circuit
SATURDAY MAY 26TH 2018
7:00 am Closing the circuit
9:00-10:20 am Formula Renault 2.0 Series – Qualifying sessions
12:00 am – 1:00 pm Formule 1 TM – 3rd Free practice
3:00-4:00 pm Formule 1 TM – Qualifying sessions
4:10-5:00 pm Formule 2 FIA – 2nd Race (30 laps or 45 min max)
6:30 pm Opening of the circuit
SUNDAY MAY 27TH 2018
7:00 am Closing the circuit
9:45-10:20 am Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup – Race (16 laps or 30 min max)
11:10-11:40 am Formula Renault 2.0 Series – Race (25 laps or 45 min max)
12:30 am Formule 1 TM – Drivers parade
1:15 pm Lap of honor – LL.AA.SS The Prince and Princess of Monaco
1:46 pm Presentation of F1 Drivers – Monegasque anthem
3:10-5:10 pmFormule 1 – Grand Prix (78 laps or 120 min max)
09:00 pm Opening of the circuit
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