MONACO FORMULA 1 GP 2008
CIRCUIT INFORMATION AND RACE PROGRAM
THE 2008 MONACO FORMULA ONE GP
With out a doubt, the premier race on the Formula One calendar, the jewel of the crown of every Formula 1 season, the Monaco Grand Prix is a different event, and always full of glamour and excitement. This historic Formula One race is run through the streets of Monte Carlo, the capital of the Principality of Monaco. Set on a natural harbour, this tax haven on the French Riviera contains plenty of the money that drives modern Formula 1. Glitz and glamour are often associated with Formula One, but in Monaco, Formula 1 comes to a world where glitz and glamour is a part of every day life. The excitement is thick enough to attract an estimated 150,000+ fans on race day, and Monaco is the highest TV rated Formula One GP event in the world. Watched by an estimated 650 million viewers in over 50 countries. Although considered to be one of the slowest tracks in the Formula 1 Championship, Monaco has unbelievable charm, which makes spectators come back year after year. Underneath its glamorous image however, the event provides one of the toughest challenges for the drivers, team engineers and mechanics.
MONACO FORMULA 1 CIRCUIT INFORMATION
General Information
The circuit is built almost overnight and the close proximity of the Armco barriers leave little room for driver error. The circuit and its numerous landmark corners are amongst the most well known in the world of motor racing; such as Rascasse, the Tunnel, Casino Square and the Swimming Pool Complex. In fact, Monaco features almost every type of corner, and even the straights are curved in order to fit within the tight confines of the streets. At the end of the race there are no high rise podium or dignitaries climbing up stairs to greet the drivers. The cars stop on the start/finish straight and the drivers walk up the Monegasque royalty in the royal box to claim their prizes, with many drivers not having the energy left to stand by this stage of the weekend.
The Monaco circuit is the shortest and slowest racing circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. Overtaking is also very rare and impatience tends to fog driver judgment, causing passing attempts at almost impossible places. A good grid position is more important here, than at any other racing circuit in the world. Monaco is really hard on the cars, particularly on the transmission: 39 gear changes per lap (one every two seconds) and over 3,000 gear changes during the race. The drivers require a very high level of concentration.
The Monaco race is also unique in that the first two practice sessions take place on the Thursday instead of the Friday. A fascinating race with a great backdrop!
What the drivers say
For most drivers Monte Carlo is really exciting, on and off the track. The Monaco circuit is bumpy and incredibly uncomfortable. On all the other tracks there's an occasional straight to give the drivers a breather - in Monaco they are constantly working, never a moment of rest for their arms and legs.
It's so difficult to put in a good lap time at Monaco. The streets are very narrow, and offer hardly any run-off zones. It is essential to have a starting position up front, because it is virtually impossible to overtake. The track is cambered like a conventional road, and features all the same street furniture such as lampposts, manhole covers and white lines. Additional barriers and kerbs are added, and knowing what to use and what to avoid, only comes with experience.
Setting up a car requires grip from the mechanical package, so softer springs, dampers and roll bars will be used. Aerodynamic grip will come from larger wings on the front and the rear of the cars. Brakes are not heavily abused at the slower speeds, but the engine and transmission do take a battering.
Tyres do not suffer great wear or degradation, but the understeer caused by large amounts of steering lock in slow turns, followed by the thrust of the car accelerating can grain front tyres, further reducing their grip.
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most important races during the Formula One season, and it is most definitely the one that every driver and team want to win, if they could choose one of all the races.
RACING PROGRAM AND EVENT INFORMATION
Although not yet finalised for 2008, we have included the 2006 Formula 1 program, to give you an idea of what the event program should look like. Except for the two Friday free practices sessions, which will be extended to two 90 minute sessions for 2008, we do not expect any other major changes from the 2006 program.
So please take note that the following 2006 program and information could change for 2008.
THURSDAY
| 07h00 |
Closure of track to road traffic |
|
| 10h00 – 10h30 |
GP2 |
Free Practice Session 1 |
| 11h00 – 12h00 |
Formula One GP |
Free Practice Session 1 |
| 14h00 – 15h00 |
Formula One GP |
Free Practice Session 2 |
| 15h40 – 16h20 |
Formula Renault 3,5 |
Free Practice Session 1 |
| 16h50 – 17h35 |
Porsche Michelin Supercup |
Free Practice Session 1 |
| 18h30 |
Opening of track to road traffic |
|
FRIDAY
| 07h00 |
Closure of track to road traffic |
|
| 09h00 – 09h30 |
GP 2 |
Free Practice Session 2 |
| 10h00 – 10h30 |
GP 2 |
Qualifying Session |
| 11h30 – 12h15 |
Porsche Michelin Supercup |
Qualifying Session |
| 13H30 |
Opening of track to road traffic |
|
SATURDAY
| 06h00 |
Closure of track to road traffic |
| 09h00 – 09h25 |
Formula Renault 3,5 |
Qualifying Session (even numbers) |
| 09h30 – 09h55 |
Formula Renault 3,5 |
Qualifying Session (odd numbers) |
| 11h00 – 12h00 |
Formula 1 GP |
Free Practice Session 3 |
| 12h30 – 13h00 |
Porsche Michelin Supercup |
Race 16 Laps |
| 14h00 – 15h00 |
Formula 1 GP |
Qualifying Session |
| 16h00 – 17h30 |
GP 2 |
Race 45 Laps |
| 19H30 |
Opening of track to road traffic |
|
SUNDAY
| 06h00 |
Closure of track to road traffic |
|
| 11h00 – 11h45 |
Formula Renault 3,5 |
Race (25 laps) |
| 12h30 |
Formula One GP |
F1 Driver’s Parade |
| 14h00 |
Formula One GP |
64nd Formula One Grand Prix (78 laps) |
| 19H00 |
Opening of track to road traffic |
|
