Formula One Grand Prix

The jewel in the Formula One crown and possibly the most famous motor racing circuit in the world, Monaco stirs both Formula One images and memories.

The circuit itself weaves through the streets of Monte Carlo, up to Casino square, through the tunnel and along the harbor wall.

Cars will always be set up for maximum down force to negotiate the tight turns. These sharp corners put a great deal of strain on the cars, especially the gear boxes, and the track demands a high level of concentration from the driver. Just the slightest error or misjudgment can send the car in to the barriers

The Monaco Grand Prix is the one race of the year that every driver dreams of winning. Like the Indy 500 or Le Mans, it stands alone, almost distinct from the sport from which it was born. A combination of precision driving, technical excellence and sheer bravery is required to win in Monte Carlo, facets which highlight the differences between the great and the good in Formula One.

The Armco barrier-lined circuit leaves no margin for error, demanding more concentration than any other Formula One track. Cars run with maximum down force and brakes are worked hard. Overtaking is next to impossible so qualifying in Monaco is more critical than at any other Grand Prix.

The Portier corner is the key to achieving a good lap time around Monaco. It is preceded by the Loews hairpin, the slowest corner in Formula One, and followed by the tunnel, one of the few flat-out sections of the track. Some great names have ended their races in the barriers here, most notably Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

To win in Monaco places a driver's name on a list that includes many of history's all-time greats. Both Graham Hill, the man nick-named 'Mr. Monaco', and Schumacher have won it 5 times. Alain Prost took 4 victories, whilst Stirling Moss and Jacky Stewart each won here 3 times. But the record of wins in Monaco resides with Senna, who won in Monte Carlo 6 times.

The race has been a regular fixture of the World Championship since 1955, but in that time the circuit has changed remarkably little.

Winners Monaco Grand Prix since 1950: