We have all heard of the Monaco Grand Prix; for die-hard racing fans, it is known as one of the most illustrious events in the racing world. Launched in 1929, the small principality becomes home to the world’s most revered drivers and attracts an A-list super-glamourous audience. Let’s take a look at some other fascinating facts about this world-class event.
Size matters
Interestingly, the track is the shortest of any in the F1 calendar at a breezy 3.340 kilometres; however, it makes up for this with 78 laps in total – the most of any circuit.
Slow down
The circuit at the Monaco Grand Prix is home to the slowest F1 corner – turn six.
Hitting a six
The Brazilian Ayrton Senna remains the record holder for number of wins at the Monaco Grand Prix. He was victorious six times, closely followed by five-times winners Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher.
Safety comes first
There are an impressive 33 kilometres of safety rails put in place every year, plus 3,600 tyres as tyre barriers and an enormous 20,000 square metres of fencing.
Also the vehicles are rigorously checked for any defaults like when you take your car to places like an MOTs Gloucester company and they can be found at 123carandcommercial.com.
Watery ends
It is a little-known fact that only two cars have ended up in the sea, driven by Alberto Ascari and Paul Hawkins.
Age doesn’t matter
The oldest competitor to go behind the wheel at the Monaco Grand Prix was 55-year-old Louis Chiron. The Monegasque driver raced in the 1955 event.
All in the planning
It takes around six weeks to set the track up prior to the race, and another three to take everything down.
Cityscape
Guests can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the street circuit from the Ermanno Palace, perhaps through a hospitality package. The only similar circuit is the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the home of the Italian Grand Prix.
Practice, practice, practice
The practice day in Monaco is on a Thursday; the practice day for all other circuits is on a Friday. The streets of Monaco reopen to the public on the Friday.
Wearing the crown
Along with the Indianapolis 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, making it one of the world’s most coveted races to win. Team McLaren has won the most Monaco Grand Prix races in its history.