The F1 circus heads to southern France, to the Principality of Monaco in a week’s time. Monaco is undoubtedly the jewel in the F1 crown, where glamour and fame walk holding hands with the sport.
The circuit of Monaco requires the cars to be set up in a very unique way. It's an extremely high down force circuit, where overtaking is for all practical purposes impossible. Hence a pole is as good as victory. The circuit certainly presents an interesting challenge to the engineers on the wall. The manholes on the street are actually re-tightened every year just weeks before the race to stop them from being sucked in by the cars.
Who could forget David Coulthard stuck behind Enrique Bernouldi for a little more than 31 laps with nowhere to go, or the incomparable Schumacher’s questionable parking at the Rascasse a couple of seasons ago?
Mclaren have traditionally had the advantage on this circuit. Fernando Alonso led a Mclaren 1-2 last year, with Lewis Hamilton breathing down his exhaust pipe. Hamilton chose not to hear team orders in his pursuit of Alonso in the final laps of the race.
This year Felipe Massa, after winning in his adopted homes of Bahrain and Turkey, has the momentum on his side. He drove an impeccable measured race to win in Istanbul Park last week, but Hamilton was the best on the day in my opinion.
A three-stopper in Istanbul Park was extremely brave, and that is precisely what he did, quite against the advice of his Bridgestone crew. Kimi Raikkonen every now and then has one of his vintage quiet races, where he still picks up valuable points. He has been setting up some scorching times in practice, however. The best of the rest, BMW, disappointed themselves in Istanbul Park. They will be looking for much more in Monaco.
So, watch out for teams qualifying extremely light in an attempt to clinch pole, or lock out the front row. I would not be surprised if Alonso reaches into his locker room tricks and pulls a front row out of the bag. Kubica might nonchalantly qualify on pole and control the race from then on too.
From the times Kimi has been doing recently, I would bet money on Kimi extending his championship lead, but I'd bet a little more money on Hamilton taking the jewel for the silver crown.
It will be fun either way…watch out for the Hollywood’s best sunbathing on the yachts or sipping a latte from the regal balcony.
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4 months ago
Ive said it before and I am going to say it again ... WHAT A GREAT CIRCUIT ! ... I love this track !
I reckon the Ferrari fans may be disappointed this weekend ... I am personally hoping for a McLaren 1-2 but you never know on this track, its a thrill a minute kind of affair ! Either way, whether it is a McLaren, a BMW or a Renault ... Ferrair will be locked out !
If they manage to prove me wrong, then fair enough but much kudos will be deserved for the driver given the situation of the track and the cars.
Good article.
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