Monaco GP
No 1No 2
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FACT FILEVenue: Circuit de MonacoRace Date: May 16, 2010Circuit Length: 3.340 km (2.075 mi)Race Length: 260.520 km (161.887 mi)
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FACT FILEMost Constructors Wins: McLaren (14)Most Driver Wins: Ayrton Senna (6)
The circuit of Monaco comprises the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, which includes the famous harbour. It is unique in having been held on the same circuit every time it has been run over such a long period and only the Italian Grand Prix, which has been held at Monza every year except 1980 and 1921, has a similarly lengthy and close relationship with a single track.
On the track, drivers have to go through many elevation changes, tight corners, and a narrow course that arguably make the most demanding track in F1. As of 2006, only two drivers have crashed and ended up in the harbour! The most famous of these was Alberto Ascari in 1955. The course has undergone many changes in the past, but it still remains the toughest of all.
Some say that were it were not already an existing Grand Prix, it would not be permitted to be added to the schedule, for safety reasons. Also, with the lack of overtaking options on the track, people doubt the overall 'racing' of the circuit. Most results in Monaco are decided by crashes, failures and the ever important pit stops. But the history and the glamour associated with track keeps it on the F1 calendar. Although Ayrton Senna has won at Monaco six times, it is Graham Hill, father of Damon Hill who is called 'Mr Monaco'. He practically owned the track in the 1960s!
Some of the memorable races at Monaco include the 1996 and 2006 races. In '96, Michael Schumacher took pole position but crashed out on the first lap. Damon Hill led the first 40 laps before an engine failure ended his race in the tunnel. Jean Alesi took the lead but suffered suspension failure 20 laps later. Olivier Panis, who started in 14th place, moved into the lead, and stayed there until the end of the race, being pushed all the way by David Coulthard. It was Panis' only win, and the last for his Ligier team. Only four cars finished the race that year!
In 2006, as the qualifying session was drawing to a close, Michael Schumacher stopped his car at the Rascasse hairpin, blocking the track. As a result, yellow flags were raised and this ensured no one could beat Schumacher's time. Schumacher pleaded that this was a genuine accident, but he was sent to the back of the grid. Eventually, Alonso won the race when Raikkonen's McLaren caught fire while he was close on Alonso's heels!
Recent Results:
2010: Mark Webber (Red Bull)
2009: Jenson Button (Brawn-Merccedes)
2008: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)
2007: Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
2006: Fernando Alonso (Renault)
On the track, drivers have to go through many elevation changes, tight corners, and a narrow course that arguably make the most demanding track in F1. As of 2006, only two drivers have crashed and ended up in the harbour! The most famous of these was Alberto Ascari in 1955. The course has undergone many changes in the past, but it still remains the toughest of all.
Some say that were it were not already an existing Grand Prix, it would not be permitted to be added to the schedule, for safety reasons. Also, with the lack of overtaking options on the track, people doubt the overall 'racing' of the circuit. Most results in Monaco are decided by crashes, failures and the ever important pit stops. But the history and the glamour associated with track keeps it on the F1 calendar. Although Ayrton Senna has won at Monaco six times, it is Graham Hill, father of Damon Hill who is called 'Mr Monaco'. He practically owned the track in the 1960s!
Some of the memorable races at Monaco include the 1996 and 2006 races. In '96, Michael Schumacher took pole position but crashed out on the first lap. Damon Hill led the first 40 laps before an engine failure ended his race in the tunnel. Jean Alesi took the lead but suffered suspension failure 20 laps later. Olivier Panis, who started in 14th place, moved into the lead, and stayed there until the end of the race, being pushed all the way by David Coulthard. It was Panis' only win, and the last for his Ligier team. Only four cars finished the race that year!
In 2006, as the qualifying session was drawing to a close, Michael Schumacher stopped his car at the Rascasse hairpin, blocking the track. As a result, yellow flags were raised and this ensured no one could beat Schumacher's time. Schumacher pleaded that this was a genuine accident, but he was sent to the back of the grid. Eventually, Alonso won the race when Raikkonen's McLaren caught fire while he was close on Alonso's heels!
Recent Results:
2010: Mark Webber (Red Bull)
2009: Jenson Button (Brawn-Merccedes)
2008: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes)
2007: Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
2006: Fernando Alonso (Renault)
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