Winning at Monte Carlo streets for any Formula One driver is always a dream come true. It is no wonder that when Schumacher won it in 1994 and Hamilton won it in 2008 they were bound to become champions down the road. In a poll by British fans in 2009, this arena that has seen many gladiators fall was rated top among Seven Sporting Wonders of the World.
But what makes Monaco so intimidating? Firstly, it is the shortest in the calendar at only 3.340 km and this translates to an incredulous 78 laps. Just imagine driving around town 78 times in your car at dizzying speed and you will appreciate why it is rated as the toughest, riskiest and also the most thrilling.
A Take at the Racing Arena
To appreciate why drivers dread Monaco while fans enjoy every moment take a look at the track’s short description:
Well, if your favourite driver has made it to Boulevard Albert for the first lap then you have some hope that they can do it another 77 times, can’t they? Just sit back and pray nothing goes wrong, though it mostly does in any gladiator’s arena.
But what makes Monaco so intimidating? Firstly, it is the shortest in the calendar at only 3.340 km and this translates to an incredulous 78 laps. Just imagine driving around town 78 times in your car at dizzying speed and you will appreciate why it is rated as the toughest, riskiest and also the most thrilling.
A Take at the Racing Arena
To appreciate why drivers dread Monaco while fans enjoy every moment take a look at the track’s short description:
- The start: The lap starts a short distance down Sainte Devote corner which is one of the tightest in the calendar. Just imagine starting in a rush only to find a 90° corner. It is no wonder this has been a scene of myriad accidents at one time necessitating tweaking of the corner.
- Time to up the gears: Out of the corner drivers go uphill along the d’Ostende avenue where again there is the challenge of a bumpy road surface. At this point drivers are still trying to jostle for position before the race settles.
- After snaking past the Casino and down des Beaux Arts Avenue, drivers come to the infamous hairpin at the Fairmont. Any good driver can use a chance here to overtake. There is another double right hander at Portier and then the tunnel. The tunnel reduces speed and poor visibility also hampers fast speeds.
- The treacherous chicane after the tunnel makes for an interesting view for fans but Sergio Perez and Jenson Button know better because in 2011 they crashed here. The fact that this is an ideal overtaking space also makes it dangerous for all drivers.
- Gear up again: Drivers have a chance to up speeds after the chicane up to the Tabac to reach the Piscine and later a slow right-left chicane. The short straight after the chicane is almost delusional because drivers have to brake hard to tackle the tight La Rasacsse, a 135° corner.
- Back to the beginning: After La Rasacasse there is a short straight stretch leading to one of the latest added corners, the Antony Noghes. The cars then head full gear up to the start as they complete the first lap.
Well, if your favourite driver has made it to Boulevard Albert for the first lap then you have some hope that they can do it another 77 times, can’t they? Just sit back and pray nothing goes wrong, though it mostly does in any gladiator’s arena.