Old Circuits
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The Monaco Grand Prix brings the wealthiest people from all over the world together. It is set in the luxurious streets of Monte Carlo, and is one of the most traditional races on the calendar. The circuit winds its way through the streets, from Ste devote, it goes uphill to Casino square, then plunges back down to Mirabeau before heading into the Loews hairpin. The tunnel that leads to the harbour-side chicane echoes with the roar of the engines. This is one track however where overtaking is virtually impossible. The first race was run in 1929, and in 1950, it was second on the calendar, when ten cars collided in a spectacular first lap accident, and Fangio raced on for the win. This track has so much history, it's hard to compress it in a few short sentences, but it goes without saying that this circuit is one that remains a favourite in many fans hearts, for many different reasons. It is a circuit based more on driver skill than the speed of the car. |
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Stirling Moss won in 1956, but in '57, he was involved in an accident at the chicane, and handed victory to
Fangio. Moss was the main pace setter in this era, and his most memorable victory was in 1961 when he
expertly held off both Ferraris. It was the first race after Ayrton Senna's tragic death, and it saw
Michael Schumacher dominate, as he did again in 1995. Panis scored a surprise win for Prost in 1996, and
Schumacher dominated once again in wet conditions in 1997.
The McLaren of Mika Hakkinen took the honours in 1998, with Schumacher and the Ferrari returning to claim the Germans fourth win the following season. 2000 was David Coulthard's time to shine, the Scot winning ahead of Ferrari driver, Rubens Barrichello and Benetton man, Giancarlo Fisichella. In 2001 Coulthard was sent to the back of the grid for stalling and spent most of the event stuck behind the Arrows of Enrique Bernoldi as Michael Schumacher romped home for another Monaco win. However, the Scot got his own back in 2002 with a well-deserved victory, his one and only of the season. Juan Pablo Montoya drove a superb race to secure his and BMW Williams' first win of the 2003 season, a mere six-tenths of a second in front of the McLaren of Kimi Raikkonen. 2004 saw quite a race around the streets of Monte Carlo as Jarno Trulli drove the race of his career from pole position to chequered flag to record Renault's sole victory of the season. The Italian racer battled long and hard to keep Michael Schumacher behind him, but the Ferrari star found himself inexplicably tangled up with Juan Pablo Montoya whist behind the safety car and his race was over on the spot. The 2004 race will also be remembered for Fernando Alonso's massive crash in the tunnel as the Spaniard tried to pass around the outside of Ralf Schumacher's ailing BMW Williams. For Trulli and Renault, Monaco 2004 was a dream result in what would become a bitter season. Kimi Raikkonen took the honours for McLaren in 2005, leading home Williams duo Nick Heidfeld and Mark Webber by a comfortable margin. |
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