Posted on 20th May 2015
With Formula One going to its most prestigious race on calendar which is the Monaco Grand Prix, this really is a special weekend for anyone who loves motorsport and one that brings such a special and unique atmosphere even if you are not there watching it trackside.
For this weekend, Pirelli have announced that they are bringing their P Zero Red supersoft who make its debut this year; alongside the P Zero Yellow soft tyre compound. Pirelli have stated that the supersoft compound offers the most grip and performance of Pirelli's entire F1 entire range and that it is a low working range tyre, with a rapid warm-up ideally suited to the sinuous streets.
Pirelli then went on further to state that one of the key evolutions on all the tyres this year has been optimisation of the footprint pressure and temperature distribution. This presents a more even contact with the asphalt, improving grip and handling: vital attributes on the streets of Monaco.
In case you didn't know, Pirelli also enjoys an important historical connection with Monaco too. The very first world championship Monaco Grand Prix, held in 1950, was won by the great Juan Manuel Fangio in a Pirelli-equipped Alfa Romeo. also, Fangio's last Monaco victory in 1957 (which occurred 68 years ago this week) was also achieved on Pirelli tyres,in a Maserati.
The Monaco circuit features a number of unconventional aspects. It's the race with the lowest average speed and slowest corner of the entire championship, emphasising the importance of mechanical grip from the tyres rather than aerodynamic grip. All these factors make it ideal territory for the supersoft tyre, which offers the most grip of the entire range as well as the fastest warm-up. Monaco is also the only race that doesn't run to the FIA's mandatory minimum distance of 305 kilometres.
The track surface in Monaco is the least abrasive of the year. There's also an unusual format for the sessions, with a break on Friday meaning that the circuit is open to public traffic. This has a profound effect on track evolution, with very little rubber being laid on the circuit.
With limited run-off area, there is strong potential for incidents that can bring out the safety car, and this has to be factored into strategy calculations. Because of the very low tyre wear and degradation that characterises the Monaco Grand Prix, a one-stop strategy can often work.
Here are the facts and figures heading into the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend-
Facts and Figures
• Monte Carlo has hosted the Grand Prix in Spain since 1929, even though the first Formula One race was in 1950.
• Ayrton Senna is the most successful driver to win the Grand Prix with six wins.
• Fernando Alonso is the most successful driver currently to win the Grand Prix with two wins.
• McLaren are the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with fifteen wins
• Race distance: 260.5km (161.87 miles)
• Number of turns:19
• Top speed: 284kph
• Lap record: Michael Schumacher- Ferrari (2004)- 1.14.43
Winners from last 5 Monaco Grand Prix
• 2010-Mark Webber
• 2011-Sebastian Vettel
• 2012-Mark Webber
• 2013- Nico Rosberg
• 2014-Nico Rosberg
My five things to look out for this weekend
1. Importance of qualifying- The importance of qualifying is crucial to how you perform in Monaco. With Monaco being known as one of the most difficult circuit to overtake on the calendar; qualifying in the best position you can is crucial to a successful weekend.
2. Performance of the Pirelli tyres- As I have mentioned before, the tyres will play a crucial role this weekend; especially if the weather is warm. The teams and the drivers will have to ensure that they manage the performance of the tyres throughout the course of the weekend in order to be competitive. But who will be able to look after their tyres the best?
3. Performance of the McLaren's – With McLaren making small steps of improvement in the first five races; they have stated that their best chance of scoring their first points of the season would be Monaco. Question is; can McLaren and Honda score their first points since being back together and also their first of the 2015 season?
4. Rosberg vs Hamilton after last season- As we know, the battle between the drivers at the event last season was a major talking point. With this still fresh in everyone's minds, the real question is; will we see a repeat of what happened last season or have both drivers learnt their lessons?
5. Manor F1's emotional return to Monaco- With Monaco last season being a special race for the team when Jules Bianchi scored his first and Marussia's first ever points in Formula One. Even though sadly Jules isn't here this season racing for the team, we won't be forgotten by everyone and what he achieved last year and the Formula One world are all still thinking about you and your family every day. #ForzaJules.
Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and the BBC also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-
• Sky Sports F1:- Thursday (Practice 1 and 2) 8.45am and 12.45pm, [Replays throughout Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 9.45am and 12.00pm, [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 11.30am
• BBC– Saturday (Qualifying and highlights) 1.00pm 5.10pm, Sunday (Race highlights) 5.05pm
Sarah Jones-@ jonesy_laaa
