The Monaco Grand prix is one of Formula 1’s highlights. It takes place on the tortuous streets of the Principality and the intoxicating mix of glamour and history makes it one of the most prestigious races for drivers and teams to win. Its first edition was in 1929 and was part of the inaugural world championship calendar in 1950, since when the track layout remained largely unchanged.
What are the challenges in Monaco?
Renault Engine Technical Director Remi Taffin shares his thoughts on the twisting, street circuit and what challenges the bumps and dips bring.
“For Monaco you need consistency, so the job of the power unit is to give the driver a consistent power delivery without too many energy recovery strategies over the course of a very busy and frenetic lap. Fortunately, Monaco is unique and some of the areas you need to pay attention to for a more normal track are not so relevant. As a driver doesn’t use full throttle as much as at other tracks, they can recover energy quite easily.”
“Historically, we would say that Monaco was hard on the engine because of the bumps and the driver maintaining high revs with the engine. We have addressed all the issues stemming from the bumps and the latest generation of engine revs lower and has a different torque curve so these areas are not as critical as before.”
“Ultimately, Monaco is about confidence. When a driver is confident it can make a big difference. So we do everything we can do from a power unit perspective to assist with the driver’s confidence.”
The Monaco Grand prix at a glance
Laps – 78
Start time – 14:00hrs local
Grid advantage – Pole position is on the inside of the track. The racing line is towards the outside, giving slightly more grip, but it’s only a short run to Turn One and the pole-sitter wants to be on the right-hand-side for Sainte Devote
DRS – There is one DRS zone, on the approach to Turn One
Don’t put the kettle on… – For the last two years, the race has been lost in the pits. Lewis Hamilton made an unscheduled pitstop from the lead during a Safety Car period in 2015, dropping to third place, while a delayed pitstop for Daniel Ricciardo in ’16 handed victory to Hamilton. Given the durability of this year’s wider tyres, it will most-likely be a one-stop race if it’s dry, and the pitstops will come at around half-distance
Pitlane length/Pitstops – 301m/0.193 miles (longest of the season: Silverstone, 457m/0.283 miles). Estimated time loss for a pitstop is 22s
Safety Car likelihood – 80 per cent, which is high. The lack of run-off around the lap means even the smallest mistakes can result in contact with the barrier. The resultant debris brings out the Safety Car, or the Virtual Safety Car, which appeared for the first time at the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix
Watch out for… – Turn Three. This blind 155km/h (96mph) left-hander, named after the French composer Jules Massenet, rises over a crest, making it easy for the drivers to out-brake themselves and run wide. If they get off the racing line; it’s easy to end up in the barrier on the outside.
Jenson Button – the unexpected comeback
“It feels slightly surreal to be back in the cockpit for the Monaco Grand Prix. When the call came from Eric [Boullier] there was no hesitation – it’s a totally unique situation and a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to stepping back behind the wheel for one of the most crazy, unpredictable and exciting races of the year.”
“Monaco is truly unique as a track, and requires a lot of work to fine-tune the car and optimise the set-up for the narrow layout. It’s always a challenge – a huge challenge, for any driver – but a really exciting challenge, and has always been up there in my favourite races of the year.”
“Although I haven’t turned a wheel on track yet in the MCL32, I feel well prepared. I know the track well, of course, and I’ve done quite a bit of work in the McLaren simulator already. I’m still fit, and I’ve been training probably more than ever, because I’ve had the time to focus on my triathlon preparation and competitions. I’m looking forward to working with the team again, and, as I’ll be on the other side of the garage this time around, I’ll do my best to look after the car for Fernando [Alonso]!”
