This weekend sees the return of the best known and prestigious race in the Formula One calendar – the Monaco Grand Prix.
The event epitomises what F1 is all about – money, luxury and glamour. Of course, F1 is about racing as well, and Monte Carlo is one of the most challenging circuits.
Set exclusively within the streets of this stylish city, the race is known for being one of the most intense.
With 78 laps, the race as a whole covers 260.520km (more than 161 miles). The average speed is 151kph (94mph), and drivers are going full throttle for more than half of the race.
In terms of taking the chequered flag, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most open. Pretty much anybody can win the race, with five different winners in the past five years.
This year, there are seven previous winners taking their places on the grid – Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, and Michael Schumacher.
Unlike some courses in the calendar, a pole position in Monaco does not give much more of a chance of winning. Of the past 20 winners, ten have started from second or third.
With five different winners in the first five races of this F1 season, the Monaco Grand Prix stands to make history. Never before have there been six different winners from the first six races of a season.
The race is a huge draw for the world’s rich and famous, with Monte Carlo becoming even more exclusive and glamorous – if that’s possible!
Tickets and VIP packages are still available, so if you have a few thousand quid to spare then head to Monte Carlo to experience the luxurious lifestyle that goes hand-in-hand with Formula One.
(Images: Polmars, Hampus Cullin, Michi1308, R Meehan)
