The Monaco Grand Prix as part of the Formula 1 Championship is one of the most prestigious car races in the world. The Monte Carlo circuit is particularly challenging for pilots as it runs right through the winding city streets.
The Monaco Grand Prix has been held since 1929 in Monte Carlo. Roads in the principality have been famous for their high quality since the beginning of the last century and meet the highest standards of high-speed competitions, therefore the Formula 1 track does not require special training. Slides and sharp turns create special difficulties for the participants of the races. There is even a risk of the car falling into the water, but in this case, a team of scuba divers is always ready to rescue the drivers.
For many years, the Monaco Grand Prix has been one of the most spectacular stages of the Formula 1 championship and exciting events in the life of the principality. Traditionally, members of the royal family of Monaco watch the race from the rostrum.
Unlike other stages of the competition, which start on Friday, the Monaco Grand Prix starts on Thursday with free runs. For them on this day, 2 sessions are allocated with a duration of 1, 5 hours, as well as 1 hour on Saturday. Racers drive along the track in free mode to study its features and customize the car.
On Saturday, qualification is held, consisting of 3 sessions of 20, 15 and 10 minutes, during which the pilot is given a chance to drive any number of laps and show the least time that counts. The drivers with the best results take part in all 3 sessions, according to the results of which their places at the start of the race are determined. For the Monaco Grand Prix, the position in qualification is of great importance: the track passing through the city streets practically excludes the possibility of overtaking, therefore, it increases the chances of the driver who goes first to win.
The race itself takes place on Sunday at 14-00 local time. At the Monaco Grand Prix, pilots cover a distance of 260 km, which differs from other Formula 1 stages, where the average distance is about 305 km. The race lasts about 2 hours.
During the competition, a team may make any number of pit stops for tire change and car maintenance. Entering the pit lane on the Monte Carlo circuit is characterized by the need to reduce the speed to 80 km / h, while on other routes the limit is 100 km / h.
At the end of the race, the winners are awarded. The pilots go up to the podium, they are presented with championship cups, the anthem of the country represented by the winner is played, and then the anthem of the country for which his team is playing. The pilots pour champagne over each other and congratulate each other on the successful completion of the Grand Prix.
The ceremony is traditionally presided over by members of the royal family. In particular, in 2012, the Grand Prix was awarded by Prince Albert II of Monaco, the prize for the second place - Princess Charlene, and for the third - the nephew of the Prince, Prince Andrea.