The Monaco F1 grand prix is a spectacular show piece as sleek racing cars speed through streets almost too narrow for a bus.
The premise is ridiculous.
F1 cars capable of 200 mph on streets with a limit of around 30 mph the rest of the year.
The roads of Monte Carlo are not paved with gold, but they are used to the rich and famous passing by in their Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Rolls Royces, while super yachts worth millions are moored in the harbour.
Sunshine, glamour, champagne and money are no strangers to principality perched on the Mediterranean cliffs between France and Italy.
Testing track
Monaco is a testing track for even the best F1 drivers. Tight, short straights and bendy bends.
The race will see the next episode of the Lewis Hamilton v Sebastian Vettel battle for the F1 title as Mercedes are pitched again against a rejuvenated Ferrari.
“I don’t know who will come out on top this season, but consistency over all the races is the key,” said Hamilton.
And this year, a return for Jenson Button is thrown into the mix for a one-off race. Button retired last year and everything changed – new faster, bigger cars, a set of new rules and new F1 owners.
“Everything in life is the same,” said Button. “You want to get the best out of yourself and the equipment and team you’re working with.
Ferrari due a win
“The car seemed to be working well in Barcelona. Fernando did a good job. It proves the car is good. I drove the car in the simulator, I drove the upgrade and if it all goes well we should be reasonably competitive.”
Ferrari are due a win at Monaco, The last victory was in 2011 with Michael Schumacher.
As always, the winner is often among the best placed or in pole position at the start as the track is so narrow passing is difficult.
The winner has started in pole position in 10 of the last 13 races.
The Monaco Grand Prix is on May 27 –28, followed by the Canadian Grand Prix on June 9-11.
>