Formula One News

Location: Monte Carlo Race Date: 29th May 2011 Circuit Length: 3.340 km Number of Laps: 78 Race Distance: 260.520 km 2011 Pole Sitter: S.Vettel 2011 Race Winner: S.Vettel Grands Prix Held: 57 Circuit Website: Monaco Grand Prix Circuit Diagram Produced By: Adrian Dean

Brief History

The Monoco Grand Prix is one of the oldest of the Formula One race events to remain on the calendar. The first Monoco Formula One Grand Prix took place in 1955. The circuit has changed little since, and still rates as one of the most eventful and thrilling races of the season.

The Monoco Grand Prix is the one race of the year that every driver dreams of winning, as it would see their name placed alongside many of history’s all-time greats. Including Graham Hill, Michael Schumacher who both took victory five times, as well as Alain Prost, who won four times on the Monte Carlo street circuit. Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart both took three victories. Although Ayrton Senna still tops the list with six top podium finishes.

The Monte Carlo circuit is seen as one of the most dangerous of all the tracks, With the barrier-lined street circuit leaving no margin for error, and demands more concentration that any other Formula One track. The cars run with maximum downforce and brakes are worked hard. Plus, overtaking is next to impossible, so qualifying in Monaco is more critical than at any other Grand Prix.

The tunnel probably has to be the most daunting part to the driver, especially on a bright day. The move is suddenly from bright to dark, with hardly anytime for the driver’s eyes to get use to the dark before they are straight back out into the sunlight, whilst driving at speeds around 270 km/h.