Thursday, May 22, 2008
# posted by Rich @ 7:48 AM
Formula One Grand Prix de Monaco 2008: Preview
The Formula One championship returns to the jewel in the crown - the Monaco Grand Prix. It is the most glamorous event on the calendar, with numerous high profile celebrities and the rich and the powerful in attendance. It is the place to be seen if you are a big shot. It is also perhaps the single toughest test of a driver of all the races in modern Formula 1. The confines of the street circuit are narrow and bumpy. The course is lined with armco barriers - stray but an inch and you can find yourself with a broken car. Precision, consistency, and patience are the keys to winning at Monaco.
But perhaps more important is strategy - Monaco is notoriously hard to pass at, and the pole sitter usually has an advantage of being at the front of the pack and therefore being able to control the race. However, Monaco also sees a lot of safety car periods, and these can play havoc with the strategies. Another factor is also the weather - rain has been predicted for this weekend. Rain in the race would certainly throw a spanner in the works.
McLaren will be looking to score big in Monaco this year. So far this season, they are on the back foot and are being outpaced by the Ferraris. However, due to the relative designs of the cars, the McLaren tends to be stronger in Monaco, and consequently McLaren will be hoping to capitalise. However, Ferrari were quick in recent testing at Paul Ricard in conditions that simulated the tight and twisty Monaco circuit. They will also be looking to put up a fight. And what of the other teams? Well, aerodynamic efficiency is less critical at Monaco and mechanical grip is more important. Those teams that have been struggling a little with their aero packages, such as Honda, might find some respite this weekend. Also, don't forget Toro Rosso - their new car is making its debut at Monaco this weekend, and they will be expecting big improvements.
But perhaps more important is strategy - Monaco is notoriously hard to pass at, and the pole sitter usually has an advantage of being at the front of the pack and therefore being able to control the race. However, Monaco also sees a lot of safety car periods, and these can play havoc with the strategies. Another factor is also the weather - rain has been predicted for this weekend. Rain in the race would certainly throw a spanner in the works.
McLaren will be looking to score big in Monaco this year. So far this season, they are on the back foot and are being outpaced by the Ferraris. However, due to the relative designs of the cars, the McLaren tends to be stronger in Monaco, and consequently McLaren will be hoping to capitalise. However, Ferrari were quick in recent testing at Paul Ricard in conditions that simulated the tight and twisty Monaco circuit. They will also be looking to put up a fight. And what of the other teams? Well, aerodynamic efficiency is less critical at Monaco and mechanical grip is more important. Those teams that have been struggling a little with their aero packages, such as Honda, might find some respite this weekend. Also, don't forget Toro Rosso - their new car is making its debut at Monaco this weekend, and they will be expecting big improvements.
Labels: Formula 1, Grand Prix, Monaco
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