KEY POINTS:
Lewis Hamilton arrived at Circuit de Monaco for the weekend's Formula One stop-off hoping to do two things at the same time - become the first rookie to win a Monaco Grand Prix, and by doing so, win his first Formula One race.
However, Monaco has a reputation
for throwing up oddball results, and it could easily be the case again this weekend. The track gave a hint of what may happen, when championship leader Hamilton speared into the tyre wall at Sainte Devote, the first turn at the end of the pit straight, with half an hour remaining of yesterday's practice session. The 22-year-old Englishman appeared unhurt and waved to the crowd as he climbed out of his McLaren.
The race is generally regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world, part of the Triple Crown which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Indianapolis 500. The Principality has all the glamour, pizzazz and glitz of Hollywood, and is home to the rich and famous. This is a race with so much history, and it's the home-town race for many, as a number of drivers call Monaco home.
The circuit has witnessed the beginning of some stellar careers. Five-time world champion Argentinian Juan Manuel Fangio, had his first win in a world championship race at Monaco. In 1961 Stirling Moss held off three works Ferraris in a year-old privateer Rob Walker Lotus to take his third Monaco victory. This is where the "King of Monaco", Graham Hill, proved to be almost unbeatable when winning the race five times in the 1960s. Hill is also the only driver to have won a Triple Crown.
From 1984 to 1993 the race was won by two drivers - Frenchman Alain Prost and Brazilian Ayrton Senna. Prost won four, and Senna six, the most Monaco Grand Prix wins for any one driver.
Getting the circuit ready takes six weeks, and three to remove the safety features and stands. The many elevation changes, tight corners and narrow course make it the most demanding track in Formula One, and it is considered the ultimate test of driving skills.
These skills could be severely put to the test over the weekend, as there is a chance of rain both for today and tomorrow. It will be interesting to see if the longer wheel-base of the Ferrari will be a hindrance, or if the nimble McLaren will have the edge on this tight little track.
Red Bull had a decent race last year when David Coulthard finished third and have a fighting chance of finishing among the leaders. Now could be the time BMW Sauber prove, rather than threaten, that they are good enough for a podium finish. Williams, and Mark Webber, will be looking for a repeat of last year's excellent showing of being in second place at one stage. Renault are hoping to step up a level on their performances so far this season, while the Toyota could be the unknown factor as they're quick in qualifying. For Honda, well, things can't get much worse.
Monaco's streets are covered in road markings, cambered and don't have much grip. Cars are set up with higher ride-height than normal, softer suspension and have tighter turning circles to compensate for the tight, bumpy and twisting circuit.
Monaco can be a bit of a lottery and lady luck plays a big part.
