Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Lap count: 78
Race start: 1400 +0100 GMT (2000HRS SIN)
This is the first of 3 true street circuits on this year's
calendar, the others being Valencia and Singapore. (Albert Park and
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, while also temporary, are public
parks) It is also the slowest track, and while the tight and narrow
layout makes overtaking virtually impossible, it also allows
confident drivers to shine and punishes even the slightest
mistake.
The cars run with the maximum downforce setting, short gear
ratios and soft suspension to get the most speed and grip
around the corners and on the slippery public asphalt. The
gearboxes take the most battering, as up to 4000 gear changes
are made during the race.
Rain is forecast for the weekend, with a 60% chance of
precipitation, and together with the lack of electronic aids this
season, the challenge that the drivers will face will be even
greater. The 1996 race saw only 4 finishers in wet
conditions!
4 of the drivers on the current grid have won this race:
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, Renault's Fernando Alonso, Red Bull's
David Coulthard and Toyota's Jarno Trulli. Other known specialists
of this track include McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Force
India's Giancarlo Fisichella.