Monaco Grand Prix 26th May
The jewel in the crown
The Formula One race in Monaco is one of the most iconic races on the calendar, with the beautiful backdrop of Monte-Carlo as the race host. Organised by the ACM (Automobile Club de Monaco), the first Drivers’ Grand Prix took place here in 1929, while the first Formula One Grand Prix was hosted post-war in 1950. Together, the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix are known as the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
The circuit
The Circuit de Monaco is the slowest circuit on the Formula One calendar, with very narrow turns and undulations throughout, with little chance for overtaking during the race. It is notoriously famous for red flags and safety cars which add to the dramatic outcome of every race. The circuit is very short at just under 3.4km in length, but every turn is unique, whether for the bumps on the track that affect braking, the light changes in and out of the tunnel, or the tight turns of Lowe’s Hairpin or at La Rascasse.
Tyre selection
Hypersoft, Ultrasoft and Supersofts – Pirelli is bringing the softest dry compounds available with the Hypersoft debuting at a grand prix race for the first time. As a street circuit, the track is open to the public even during the Grand Prix weekend, so it remains dirty and slippery throughout. The track abrasion is very low and Monaco is generally known to be a one-stop race where tyres are less of a concern regarding race strategy in comparison to track position and pitstop timing.
