IMO - Yes it has, it would never pass scrutiny as a modern track. It is purely held for nostalgic (& wealth stability) reasons. Complete farce really, if it wasn't for the likes of Perez, Sutil forcing there way through the field, title contenders jumping out of the way to avoid a crash & with disastrous consequences for some, it could be classified for "bore of the season". Then to top it off you have Vetel's race engineer telling the young pup to slow down and stop racing............have I missed something.
Vettel was told off because he was setting insanely fast laps and it wouldn't matter if he caught Rosberg or not...as he said on the radio, he did it for satisfaction. I'm not sure. I do like Monaco, but it's not real racing most of the time. I love it for the skill involved in keeping the car on the track. For me, F1 won't be complete without Monaco, and vice versa!
No you have not missed anything. The race has nostalgia and entertainment value but cannot be taken seriously when compared to races such as Spa. As VIZLA pointed out it should be a demo run/no points race. If it left the calendar it would not be missed for anything but the vain attempts at passing and the inevitable accidents. The tax dodgers would have one less reason to visit their so called homes.
Definitely a classy show, I went there in 81 and witnessed G Villeneuve winning from Alan Jones. Great Atmosphere Gutsy yes it must takes some big balls to drive through the tunnel at that speed. Glitzy yes but you hadn't a clue what was going on. Expensive, definitely. Rip off prices- You bet Boring, I am afraid it is. Roll on spa... a true racers track.
Off camera Kimi did a lot of overtaking in the final few laps 'in 2007 I won the championship by a single point' plus there were the moves by Hamilton near Rascasse and several at Loews
That is precisely why I only watch the qualifications; about ten years ago, I stopped watching the race entirely, as I find it boring and meaningless. I watch the start and then shut off the TV. Rgds
Watching the race with a friend yesterday who was lamenting the same thing, too antiquated, too narrow, no overtaking opportunities (at least at the pointy end of the field) too many shunts, etc. For spectators, there certainly isn't much to see of the race itself. Friends who attend tell me that they're happy sitting on a comfortable yacht in the harbor watching the race TV and joining the party. We should remember, however, that racing is a sport steeped in tradition and history. F-1 would not be F-1 without Monaco but most of the residents of Monaco would likely be just as happy without the annual interruption. It sounds as though it's more like a big party that is interrupted by the race. All of the manufacturer representatives are there, all of the sponsors and celebs are there, along with the parties there is a lot of business going on so the event continues. Also, notice how every time a new street race is announced, they always (ALWAYS) say "This will be the 'new Monaco'". Take that for what it is but they all want their blood lines connected to Monaco. BHW
F1 considers Watson's Glen too small for supercars. What's that make Monaco? Was it the elder Piquet that described driving an F1 car in Monaco like flying a helicopter in your bedroom?
Eau Rouge flat out is more challenging IMO. There are other street circuits just as good, Pau is a brilliant track. It was reported some time ago that Monaco needs the GP more substantial revenue is raised from the event to keep the coffers full. Heaven forbid that they introduce taxation to pay for the amenities!!
Amen, 7 positions in 10 laps? Or was it 6 in 9? Quite the accomplishment and unlike Perez did not cause any drama.
+1 Although, it had outgrown it *long* before that. I worked there a couple of times (79-80ish) and it was considered a joke back then too. OTOH, love it or hate it, it remains the jewel in the crown. The only race Bernie gives away. It's a unique and worthy challenge. Difficult to move around? Sure. (You should try working it! ) Ever been in traffic at Silverstone? Limited viewing options? Same at most places. Sure, only rarely does it produce a "classic", but that could be said of all tracks. Again, how anyone can seriously claim yesterdays race was "boring" doesn't understand F1 IMO. Cheers, Ian
Monaco is more than a race track. F1 cars will have V6 turbo engines next year. Cars of the '70's were wide and long, but not today. Perhaps 40 years from now, F1 cars will easily fit the streets of Monaco. Alonso and Webber both consider Monaco the most exciting to win.
I like the Monaco race, but putting the glam and glitz aside which I don't mind, it's just for the pure driver concentration needed, one momentary loss of concentration and it's game over, a real test for the drivers IMO. Plus the fact it's the jewel in the crown.
I'm not ashamed to say that it is boring to me, because this has nothing to do with a race, and it doesn't interest me the slightest...it is even hurting my interest in the sport because I know that lots of people are watching it just to see drivers crash, they are even waiting for this to happen; call me an old fool, but I'd like to see some sport or some serious racing in Formula One from time to time. So I watch the qualifications, to see drivers drive; and the start; after that, I sitch the TV off...I have no interest whatsoever seing the poleman driving eigth seconds slower than in quali., or a driver of Kimi's caliber loosing the benefit of his race to a foolish pass by Sergio Perez. May I remind you that there were times, waaaay back a long time, that drivers were even exceeding their qualification times during the race? Rindt in the last lap of the 1970 edition, if my memory serves me, etc... Yes, boring it is to me; this in good spirit of course, no sour grapes; I always watch Montreal eagerly! Rgds
i don't understand why they don't find a middle ground. redesign the track widening more areas for overtaking but keep the venue in monaco. that'll keep everyone happy.
Nope! Have you been there? Can't happen - Every single square inch is pretty much "taken" one way or another. Changing it would be like removing Eau Rouge or 130R!.... It is what it is. And it has produced some great races over the years. Don't mess with it! Cheers, Ian
I don't think that any widening would be actually possible: Monaco is a very small town, and almost any surface they have is already build; they simply don't have any more land to widen the track. It may sound silly, but it is the simple fact: Monaco is indeed tiny. If they want more land to build anything, their only solution is to reclaim land from the sea...or declare war to France or Italy? Rgds
well said, the only reason you had overtaking is that the front guys were scared stiff of crashing out and losing some points, the young pups got away with it until they came across Raikonnen. He only managed to overtake several cars at the end as they thought he was the front runner!!
Not in a modern F1 car. They could have a cup of tea whilst going through Eau Rouge nowadays it's that easy.
