There are a total of 20 races on the 2012 calendar. Yet, there is only one glamorous and truly spectacular venue out there. The Circuit de Monte Carlo (Monaco), whilst fantastic and unique, it is the most challenging and dangerous track a driver can race on.
The mere concept of a race around Monaco is utterly ludicrous. If you proposed the Circuit de Monaco as a new grand prix nowadays, you’d be laughed away. In fact, FIA regulations concerning tracks would render Monaco illegal (as is Eau Rouge, such is life) yet the Monaco Grand Prix is a fantastic sporting event.
There has been an increase in street circuits over the past few years but while we all love Montreal and Albert Park, there is nothing quite like Monaco. One mistake and you’re in the wall; as Nelson Piquet famously said ‘It’s like riding a bicycle around your living room. Judging from 2012 form, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if someone ended up in the harbour. On a serious note, there have been some safety improvements. The incredibly dangerous pit exit has had visibility improved (although it would be better with a redesigned exit that doesn’t involve the cars being flicked out at a stupid angle) while the bump approaching the Nouvelle Chicane has been flattened, due to the number of accidents there recently, and the barrier moved further down the track.
On form
Pastor Maldonado returns to action fresh out of his shocking maiden victory in Spain. Williams seem to have made a significant step forward and the Venezuelan will look to replicate the performance in Monaco. Last year he qualified an impressive 8th, so he's no rookie on this track. Monte Carlo does punish any mistake though, something which Maldonado has experienced last season, so he will have to keep it together this time if he wants a second win.
Out of form
Race weekends come and go, but Felipe Massa's performance doesn't seem to be improving. Ferrari have given the Brazilian their final warning last week, this time even officially on their homepage. The F2012 has race winning potential as Alonso demonstrated last weekend in Spain. Therefore, Ferrari will have big expectations from Massa, who will certainly be under a lot of pressure in the coming weekend.
One to watch
The team which has been awfully close to a win this season for a second time in a row is Lotus. Raikkonen and Grosjean have a consistent car, which has been fast at almost every track so far. The E20 prefers warm conditions, though, and high speed corners. Monaco is not the place for the latter, yet, an update package in the form a large rear wing to improve downforce might just give them that long awaited victory.
Talking points
- Tyres. The Pirellis have been awfully unpredictable so far this year. Last season, Mercedes have experienced high degradation in Monaco, something which might be the case this year too.
- Walls. The track in Monaco is probably the most difficult circuit on the calendar. Therefore, various safety improvements have been implemented to avoid any accidents. However, with the ban of blown diffusers, downforce is limited, the cars are more twitchy, and the slightest mistake will lead you straight into the wall. Consistency and awareness are key to this race.
- Qualifying. Since overtaking is nearly impossible, focus will be on qualifying. There is a saying about the track in Monte Carlo, that the driver on pole has 50% of the race in the bag. Pole position will be crucial for victory.
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