Formula One: Monaco Grand Prix

In the Principality of Monaco, on the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Monte Carlo, an outstanding event is regularly held, which is called the pearl of the racing season of the Formula 1 championship. In days when there are competitions, there is a special concentration of famous people, sports stars and show business. Such popularity is associated with a great atmosphere that allows not only to conclude profitable sponsorship deals or agreements between interested parties, but also to enjoy rivalry of the fastest cars in the world, which embody the spirit of innovation and progress. All this is Monaco Grand Prix - a race that leaves no one indifferent.

History of the State

In the list of countries in Europe, it would seem, a small principality had no chance to attract public attention. After all, on the territory of Monaco is at the last place on the continent. The area of the state is only 1.95 kilometers square, where 30,000 of its citizens reside, of which only 5,000 are considered local. Recognition came to this land in 1862, when Charles III legalized the gambling business, which was banned everywhere. After another prominent figure of the region - Francois Blanc - built the city of Monte Carlo, which is famous for its casinos, pretentious hotels and a vibrant nightlife. Very soon this place becomes a Mecca for all the rich of Europe who want to spend a good time surrounded by the venerable public or like-minded people.

Status place

With the introduction of preferential taxation in 1950, Monaco becomes one of the money bags of Europe, but this situation is not too long - in 1962 the authorities of France put pressure on the prince and he strengthens fiscal influence in the country. Although the preservation of funds in this state is quite cheap, this measure seems worthy of paying for the security and prestige with which its banking system is associated.

Cradle of the auto community

In such a favorable financial field, there could not be no hobby, which excited the minds of the whole world. Of course, we are talking about auto racing. They have since the beginning of the 20th century, and more specifically since 1911, have not given rest to local residents and violated the seaside silence and splendor. As a result, the Monte Carlo rally became the ancestor of the glorious history of the capital of the future Grand Prix in Monaco. A bit later, an auto club was organized here, which for a long time did not recognize in Europe because of competition with the organization of Nice, which was located very close. Referring to a small number of participants in Monaco, they were offered to unite with the existing community or become its affiliate. But this decision was dismissed with contempt by the chairman of the club Anthony Nogue, who insisted on his and in the late 20-ies conducted a "race around the casino." She wrote Monte-Carlo in the history of the stage and gave her organizers recognition.

Racing competitions are held on the blessed land of the principality since 1929. In those old times it attracted motorists from all over the world and became a stronghold for the entire motor sport community because of liberal state policy and all-round support for the movement from the monarch's family.

"Formula 1"

The Queen of races has registered in the annual Monaco Grand Prix even before her birth. The first stage of the World Cup in 1950 ended in the victory of Juan-Manuel Fangio, who managed to overcome the entire distance in little more than three hours. The average speed of the winner was 98 km / h, which was a very good indicator for that time. However, immediately after the completion of the stage, a flurry of criticism fell upon its organization and technical parameters. It was alleged that the Monaco Grand Prix, the route which ran through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, is not intended for serious competitions of professionals because of the high risk for pilots and mediocre review on some sections of the route. These voices were heard, and for several years the race was not included in the world competitions, especially since her story was overshadowed by the death of Italian Luigi Fagioli during one of the training sessions.

Back to the origins

Only in 1995, "Formula 1" returned to the Grand Prix of Monaco and has since never parted with this route. After all, Monte Carlo became the pearl of the sports season and attracted more and more viewers. Talk about security also came to naught, because in more than 46 years of competition the stage proved the unfoundedness of such arguments. In the history of Monte Carlo in its streets, two pilots flew outside the track and the same number died, which is much less compared to other races. Therefore, the Grand Prix of Monaco is considered the safest stage of the sports season.

Privileged position

It can be argued that for fifty years on the road there have been no special changes, only some twists and turns have been improved. It is also noteworthy that the traditions of this small principality are relentlessly revered. Only in this place were violated the foundations of F1 - Monaco Grand Prix starts on Thursday, and not on Friday, as usual. Free races begin on the fourth day of the week only due to the fact that before the weekend in Monte Carlo there is a fair. Therefore, the leaders of team tests are not in a hurry on the track on Saturday - after the festivities the roadway is too polluted by the traders and at this time only outsiders train. Stables that can count on the prize places in the Constructors' Championship or according to the results of individual standings are waiting until the way is cleared, and only then they proceed to free races.

Famous people

In the race in Monte Carlo, only two universally recognized heroes - Graham Hill and Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian managed to demonstrate the miracles of owning the car in a terrible downpour in 1984, when he climbed to the podium from 13th position. In the future, he only occasionally shared the championship on this route with Prost, leaving behind an unattainable record - he came first in six races. He also owns the longest series of victories - five stages in a row, Ayrton Senna was in the lead. He was accompanied by success from 1989 to 1993, and only the tragic death of the pilot put a fat point in history. The organizers honored Senna's memory in 1994, leaving the semi-position blank as a symbol of who he really belongs to. After all, in the face of this pilot, "Formula 1", the Grand Prix of Monaco and the entire sports community have lost one of their most worthy representatives.

Graham Hill also won in the streets of Monte Carlo five times - in 1963, 196, 1965, 1968 and 1969. This English racer participated in all prestigious competitions of the world. Do not become an exception and the "Indy 500", "Le Mans" and "Formula 1". The Monaco Grand Prix was considered his favorite stage of the competition, in which it was possible to demonstrate the filigree mastery of driving a car. Somewhat later, Gram Hill organized his own team called "Embassi", which was first introduced to the public in 1973 and showed good results both for the beginner. But in connection with the tragic death of pilots in a plane crash in 1975, all activities were curtailed.

Features of the phase

• Before the races on the streets of Monaco weld hatches. This is done in order to prevent their displacement, which may arise due to the low pressure zone under the car rushing.
• In 2004, on the cockpit of one of the Jaguar fireballs, a valuable diamond was set at least $ 250,000. This was the advertising of the film "Ocean's Twelve". On the first round, the pilot Christian Klin managed to break the car at the exit from the hairpin "Levs". A precious stone was never found.