No other circuit can match it for history, character and its mental challenge
For some, it’s the most glamorous Grand Prix of the season, while for others, it’s a logistical nightmare, or maybe both all rolled into one. In fact, Monaco is a race that follows in the wake of quirks and peculiarities. It is the shortest track on the calendar, at just 3.340 kilometres in length and it’s the only race that comes in under 300 kilometres, because of the low average speed. But it is also the longest weekend, because free practice gets underway on Thursday, with the timetable built around the Ascension Day holiday. Furthermore, Monaco, along with Monza and Spa, is one of the tracks still on the calendar whose history pre-dates Formula 1. In fact, the first Monegasque Grand Prix dates back to 1929. Since then, the layout has changed little, even if the arrival of a new pits structure in 2004 was something of a revolution.
There is also nothing quite like Monaco on the technical front. The track surface is that of a public road – in fact, in the evening the track is opened up to normal traffic again – therefore it offers very low grip levels, so that the Pirelli Ultrasoft is pretty much a necessity for qualifying and a good part of the race too. Set-up is unique, because the bumpy nature of the track requires a relatively high ride-height and the tight corners mean the car’s turning circle has to be reduced. The engine is not so important here, with high levels of energy recovery, however, aerodynamic downforce really counts. Up until a few years ago, one would see all sorts of aero appendages sprouting from the bodywork: today the regulations have ruled out most of these fanciful designs, however the lap times should be worth watching, given the amount of downforce the 2017 F1 cars can generate.
It will be a busy week for Scuderia Ferrari and its drivers. The logistical planning is well underway and during the week, as well as the practice sessions and technical briefings, there will be plenty of promotional events to attend. The fight for pole on Saturday afternoon, will definitely be more closely contested and significant than at many other circuits. However, even if Sunday’s race offers few opportunities for overtaking, experience teaches one never to take anything for granted. In a race in which the driver does not have to exert himself too much physically, the need for mental concentration is higher here than anywhere else.
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