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Monaco GP circuit guide
Round 7: 4 June
The home of the rich and famous - including many of the Formula One drivers themselves - is somewhat out of place in the modern Grand Prix world.
Circuit facts |
Lap length: 2.087m (3.328km)
Race length: 78 laps
.
Total distance: 155.094 miles
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The roads are narrow and dangerous, the pit lane far too small and the facilities primitive compared with the newer tracks.
But a world championship season would not be complete without a visit to the tiny tax haven where the border of France and Italy meets the Mediterranean.
The key is to drive as fast and as close as possible to the unforgiving metal barriers that flank the track.
But a world championship season would not be complete without a visit to the tiny tax haven where the border of France and Italy meets the Mediterranean.
The key is to drive as fast and as close as possible to the unforgiving metal barriers that flank the track.
Form guide |
Fond memories: M Schumacher has won four in six
Must do better: Coulthard has only finished once in five
Look out for: The rich and the famous
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Top speed is not as important as grip, with plenty of downforce from massive rear and front wings required to glue the cars to the narrow road.
Qualifying is also more important here than anywhere else since overtaking is almost impossible.
A driver who does not gain a grid position is left with a frustrating Sunday afternoon even if his car is faster than the one in front.
Qualifying is also more important here than anywhere else since overtaking is almost impossible.
A driver who does not gain a grid position is left with a frustrating Sunday afternoon even if his car is faster than the one in front.
Roll of honour |
1995: Michael Schumacher, Benetton
1996: Olivier Panis, Ligier
1997: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
1998: Mika Hakkinen, McLaren
1999: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
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And the man who takes the chequered flag and the applause from the apartment balconies and yachts is almost certain to have gone well against the clock in qualifying.
The unquestioned modern master of Monaco is Michael Schumacher - the winner of four of the last six races.
Before that, rival duo Ayrton Senna and Alan Prost were kings here, suggesting that the cream really does rise to the top at this circuit.
Last year Schumacher led home Ferrari team-mate Eddie Irvine with Mika Hakkinen completing the podium.
The unquestioned modern master of Monaco is Michael Schumacher - the winner of four of the last six races.
Before that, rival duo Ayrton Senna and Alan Prost were kings here, suggesting that the cream really does rise to the top at this circuit.
Last year Schumacher led home Ferrari team-mate Eddie Irvine with Mika Hakkinen completing the podium.
1999 result |
1. Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
2. Eddie Irvine, Ferrari
3. Mika Hakkinen, McLaren
4. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Jordan
5. Giancarlo Fisichella, Benetton
6. Alexander Wurz, Benetton
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The German was denied by car trouble in 1998 when Hakkinen almost lapped the entire field.
Because of its freakish nature Monaco also has the capacity to spring a surprise result - particularly if the weather is not good.
In 1996 new McLaren test driver Olivier Panis won his only Grand Prix for the Ligier team.
Because of its freakish nature Monaco also has the capacity to spring a surprise result - particularly if the weather is not good.
In 1996 new McLaren test driver Olivier Panis won his only Grand Prix for the Ligier team.
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