By sessions
May 24 2012

IT'S TIME TO TAKE ON THE MUNICIPALITY OF MONTE CARLO

Welcome to the so-called “Flagship of F1 racing. Monaco represents all the glitter and pomp offered in motor racing. It gives fans excitement from viewing celebrities of the world, to spectacular crashes if a driver errors oh so minutely. If it rains it’s almost a certainty that the expected winners may find themselves far from the top step of the podium. At the same time Monaco can turn itself into a train of cars unable to pass each other due to the confines of the narrow streets.

This year another unknown factor will be added to the list of Monaco difficulties. The additional thorn is the use of very quickly degrading Pirelli tires; that so far this season has presented headaches to team strategists. Getting the right tire compound to work has been a hit and miss situation allowing five different teams to win in as many races. Will we see if yet another team climbs to the third step this weekend ? Mercedes is romoured to have made some significant changes to combat the grueling streets of Monte Carlo. Both our drivers seem confident they will be able to do well. Unfortunately Michael will be facing a 5 position grid penalty which will be a challenge for him to overcome.  Nico is flying-high with enthusiasm to perform in his hometown race.

Included below is a quick look via wikipedia at the history of The Monaco GP.

The Monaco Grand Prix (French: 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 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The circuit has been called "an exceptional location of glamour and prestige."

The race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, with many elevation changes and tight corners as well as a tunnel, making 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. It is the only Grand Prix that does not adhere to the FIA's mandated 305 km minimum race distance.

The first race in 1929, was organised by Anthony Noghès under the auspices of the "Automobile Club de Monaco", and 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. It was designated the European Grand Prix two times, 1955 and 1963, when this title was an honorary designation given each year to one Grand Prix race in Europe. Graham Hill was known as "Mr. Monaco" due to his five Monaco wins in the 1960s. Brazil's Ayrton Senna has won the race more times than any other driver, with six victories, winning five races consecutively between 1989 and 1993.