The Monaco Grand Prix - Preview

F1’s jewel of the crown, the one every driver dreams of winning. At little over two miles, laps in Monte Carlo are the shortest on the calendar, but are also among the most challenging. Its 78 laps inches away from the barriers and round corners in the likes of Ste Devote, the Casino Square, Mirabeau, Portier, Tabac or the Rascasse. It also includes a tunnel, a chicane and the pool section. Its heroic, intense, and glamurous, and up to only the sport’s best can master.

Graham Hill won in Monaco five times, and earned the nickname ‘Mr Monaco’ by his performances. Michael Schumacher equalled that record, and Ayrton Senna won an incredible six times in the principality. Fast fact: If Nico Rosberg were to win this Sunday, he’ll be the first since Ayrton Senna to win at Monaco three times in a row.

TYRES AND STRATEGY.

Pirelli has prepared their P Zero Red supersoft alongside the P Zero Yellow soft compounds, for the most grip and performance out of their entire range. In the streets of Monte Carlo, they have to endure the lowest average speed and slowest corner of the championship (the Turn 6 hairpin at around 50 km/h) - therefore the need for mechanical grip. The expected gap difference between the two compounds stands at around 1s per lap here.

The winning strategy last year was a one-stopper, helped by a safety car. Nico Rosberg stopped on lap 25 to switch on to the soft tyre and went on to win the race.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Olivier Panis holds the record for winning from the lowest grid spot, starting down at 14th on the grid in 1996.
• Ayrton Senna holds the record for most wins, including five consecutive wins from 1989 to 1993.
• Monaco’s roads for the Grand Prix include 33 kilometres of safety rails, 3,600 tyres for tyre barriers and 1,100 tonnes of grandstand seating for spectators, with around 650 marshals.