Monaco Grand Prix 2014, Monte Carlo - Race 6/19

Man of Honour
Joined
30 May 2007
Posts
5,682
Location
St A
7FHqoMY.png

Monte Carlo

The Monaco Grand Prix is the one race of the year that every driver dreams of winning. Like the Indy 500 or Le Mans, it stands alone, almost distinct from the sport from which it was born. A combination of precision driving, technical excellence and sheer bravery is required to win in Monte Carlo, facets which highlight the differences between the great and the good in Formula One.

The Armco barrier-lined circuit leaves no margin for error, demanding more concentration that any other Formula One track. Cars run with maximum downforce and brakes are worked hard. Overtaking is next to impossible so qualifying in Monaco is more critical than at any other Grand Prix.

The Portier corner is key to achieving a good lap time around Monaco. It is preceded by the Loews hairpin, the slowest corner in Formula One, and followed by the tunnel, one of the few flat-out sections of the track. Some great names have ended their races in the barriers here, most notably Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

To win in Monaco places a driver's name on a list that includes many of history's all-time greats. Both Graham Hill, the man nicknamed 'Mr Monaco', and Schumacher have won it five times, Alain Prost took four victories, whilst Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart each won here three times. But the record of wins in the Principality resides with the Senna, who won in Monte Carlo six times.

The race has been a regular fixture of the world championship since 1955, but in that time the circuit has changed remarkably little. Slight alterations were made for the 2003 event, in particular a new, gentler entry to the Rascasse corner, with even bigger changes in 2004, with a new pit complex and increased spectator capacity.


TV Times

hSCsRed.png


Track Diagram & Information

ffWW0LV.png


Live Timing

http://www.formula1.com/live_timing/


Weather Forecast

60iglW3.png



Technical Changes

http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/


Monaco Preview Quotes

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2014/5/15834.html


WDC Standings

ASqYB21.png


Constructors' Championship Standings

ukBOfUY.png


Practice 1

epyj6Ck.png


Practice 2

kEW8VeG.png


Practice 3

FN0j2xE.png


Qualifying

1gIL7ZS.png


Race

OcPRGTW.png
 
Last edited:
Thanks Shimmy :)

I know it's not everyone's favourite track for racing but it's always entertaining as it throws up different challenges (and it looks nice too :p), fingers crossed we get some good action.

I think it is likely Mercs to lose but a small mistake can cost you big, and if they are out of position for any reason could be tough for them.
 
So, do people genuinely believe Red Bull will challenge Mercedes here or does it look like another easy 1-2 for Merc?

I think it will be a lot closer... But, barring any major incidents or upsets, I think it will still be a Mercedes 1-2.

Qualifying will be key. For the Rosberg-Hamilton battle, whoever gets past the first corner in the lead will have it in the bag. Preferential pit stop call should keep the leader out in front (barring any major screw-ups that put them into traffic), and there is virtually zero chance of two competitive cars passing each other.

If Red Bull do pull off a miracle and qualify ahead of either Mercedes, then they will have a further job to do in the race. I doubt the teams will be bringing the full 100Kg of fuel to the race, and so the Mercedes will have a further slight advantage in weight.


... also: Watch out for the Maldozer. Monaco always brings some kind of chaos, and who would bet against him being the cause of it?
 
Well, at least McLaren might do a bit better at a non-aero track!

Mercedes still have it for me. The smooth, consistent, linear, predictable power delivery should make the car the easiest to drive around Monaco. But I really hope that it will not be a slow procession like last year (painful to watch in person, never mind on TV). The Merc drivers will know that they need to beat each other and will surely want to build up a gap to negate a safety car if possible.
 
Monaco rarely produces an interesting race but holds it appeal due to 22 cars being mm from the barriers. I just hope it isn't a procession like last year.

As for results, short of mechanical problems or loldonado I can see another Merc 1-2. I think RBR will be quick but would rather Williams do well so will say Bottas 3rd.
 
Back
Top Bottom