Formula 1 makes it annual trip to Monaco and the race some consider to be the jewel in the F1 crown. One of the most prestigious and glamorous races on the calendar it is one all the drivers and teams want to win. The Grand Prix draws ever closer and as no-one has started a build-up thread I thought I would. (sorry no funny OP from me )
The tight twisty track around the streets of Monte Carlo leaves no room for error and with the increased torque and less downforce this year it could be even more of a challenge for the drivers than usual.
The Important Information for the Weekend
Schedule (All timings in local time - CEST)
Thursday 22 May
Practice 1 10.00 - 11.30
Practice 2 - 14.00 - 15.30
Saturday 24 May
Practice 3 - 11.00 - 12.00
Qualifying - 14.00
Sunday 25 May
Race - 14.00
Track Guide
http://www.formula1....it_diagram.html
78 laps of 3.34 km, it has the slowest average speed on the calendar of 160km/h.
1 DRS zone along the start/finish 'straight'
Tyres
Soft and Supersoft
UK TV coverage
Live on sky, highlights on BBC
Weather forecast
Still plenty of time for it to change but early indications show the possibility of showers for both qualifying and the race (at least according to the BBC)
Preview quotes
Plenty to discuss before practice start on
Thursday (if I keep highlighting this I won't forget
)
With less emphasis on power can any of the other teams close the gap to Mercedes?
Can Rosberg get his championship challenge back on track and finish ahead of Hamilton at a track he won at last year?
Will Vettel build on his improved showing in Barcelona or will Ricciardo still have the upper hand in the team-mate battle at Red Bull?
Can Ferrari and McLaren put their poor performances (by their standards) in Barcelona behind them and return to fighting at the front where they expect to be?
Can Lotus continue on their upward trajectory and get both cars into the points?
Will Force India or Williams be able to make it onto the podium after a great start to the season by both?
Can any of the new teams take advantage of any carnage at the front and sneak their first points?
With the cars sliding a lot more this year (and the possibility of a bit of rain) how many drivers will hit the barriers?