1805 replies to this topic

[TomNokoe]

Home of the rich, the famous... and the barrier-kissing, curb-jumping, street-fighting lunatics of Formula 1

 

After Saturday’s Spectacle, should we expect a Sunday Snooze? But wait... a Sunday Splash?

 

Keep your eyes on the skies, your ear to the ground, and most importantly, keep it out of the barriers. A gamble too far?

 

Welcome to ROUND 6 of the 2019 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.

 

 

 

 

Mercedes have locked out the front row and are on course for a sixth consecutive 1-2 finish.

 

Red Bull huffed and puffed but had to settle behind Mercedes. Gasly has been showing well versus Max but was penalised for a needless block.

 

Ferrari continue to surprise and somehow managed to relegate home hero Leclerc into Q1 elimination. A long way to the points from 15th. Vettel will be hoping he has already used up his quota of barrier-tapping for the weekend.

 

Haas have not faded after Barcelona and Magnussen impressed behind the top 3. Promoted to 5th after Gasly’s penalty, he may have one eye on a special result.

 

Renault recorded a Ricciardo-rebound and are set for some much needed points after an indifferent and troubling opening stint of the season.

 

The Toro Rosso pair have been pushing each other all weekend. Kvyat is starting to look like the driver we saw in 2014, whilst Albon’s fine start continues.

 

McLaren fans may have been fearing the worse after practice, but strong laps from both drivers see them poised neatly inside and outside the top 10.

 

Alfa Romeo couldn’t deliver on practice promise, struggling to unlock the tyres and compounded by a Giovinazzi penalty. A long way to the points.

 

Racing Point are no longer threatened by administration, but on track cannot threaten the points. Upgrades have left them scratching their heads. Stroll out of sorts all weekend. 

 

Williams will be pleased to see Russell and Kubica pushing each other, going blow-for-blow in qualifying. The car was kept well away from the barriers, but still well away from the pace.

 

 

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@pirellisport

The theoretically fastest strategy for the 78 lap Monaco Grand Prix is a one-stopper, with a very wide pit stop window. Start on the soft compound, then switch to the hard tyre at any point between laps 10 and 22.

 

A slightly slower strategy is to start on the soft tyre and then switch to the medium at any point between laps 18 and 25. Obviously this requires a bit more tyre management, as it involves going further on a softer compound.

 

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—

 

Assorted predictions, forecasts and Niki Lauda tributes welcome below

Edited by TomNokoe, 26 May 2019 - 11:59.

[Marklar]

2nd poll is not multiple choice

[Ev0d3vil]

Chances of rain?

[Marklar]

Ahhhh. Ok just need to fix YouTube embed

Sometimes it helps to add media tags, so

[media]youtube link[/media]

Edit: nvm

Edited by Marklar, 26 May 2019 - 10:54.

[BuddyHolly]

Chances of rain?

Sadly almost zero I think, it's cleared over.

[sportyskells]

So in this case we might need the old SC to come out here

[f1paul]

Hoping for something unexpected to happen at least. I guess you just never know with F1. When the times are down and it's all looking boring and predictable, bang a classic race if  is thrown up for us. 

Edited by f1paul, 26 May 2019 - 11:13.

[Shade]

This will be even worse than Barcelona. 

[ANF]

If Magnussen can get away in P5 we might see a long train of cars behind him. And minimal gaps would be a good thing for cars on medium tyres further back who can stay out until the end of the race/until there's a safety car.

[SophieB]

Many thanks, Thomas.

 

Sadly I suspect without rain, this is the race:

 

 

 

 

 

Still,  as f1paul says, you just never know with live sport, do you? Met office website says 20 % of rain throughout, fwiw

[Donkey]

Hoping for something unexpected to happen at least. I guess you just never know with F1. When the times are down and it's all looking boring and predictable, bang a classic race if thrown up for us. 

Ditto. Hoping for some decent action and a couple of safety cars but expecting a snoozefest like usual (but you still have to watch all 78 laps just in case something happens before someone accuses me of moaning).

 

The drivers/cars just seem to be too good these days. They don't bin it on the street tracks like they used to. Ricciardo proved that it is impossible to overtake unless you have a massive car or tyre advantage and we have sadly reverted back to the indestructible Pirelli tyres.

 

Plus all of the leaders will be cruising at 70-80% saving their tyres just in case there is a safety car.

[Pimpwerx]

This is a legit question, and not a complaint. Why does the FIA think Monaco is the right race to host on the same weekend as the Indy500? As the Indy500 brings a lot of new viewers to their TVs, and F1 gets a chance to show off to new fans, why was the decision made to show the single worst race on the same day?

 

If I'm a new fan, and I'm watching the 2 races back-to-back, I know exactly which series comes off looking better. This has never made a lick of sense to me. Does anyone know what genius made this decision, or is this a demand of the networks? It seems extremely counter-productive. If anything should run head-to-head with Indy, it should be Silverstone or Spa. Those would make the sport leaps and bounds more appealing. As it works, I would expect Monaco to only steer more fans towards Indycar. This weekend has to be an annual win for Indycar.

[blackhand2010]

I wonder whether the pattern of FE on a Saturday being a far better *race*, to Sunday's F1, will continue today...?

It's Monaco, so of course it will.

[SophieB]

[Risil]

This is a legit question, and not a complaint. Why does the FIA think Monaco is the right race to host on the same weekend as the Indy500? As the Indy500 brings a lot of new viewers to their TVs, and F1 gets a chance to show off to new fans, why was the decision made to show the single worst race on the same day?
 
If I'm a new fan, and I'm watching the 2 races back-to-back, I know exactly which series comes off looking better. This has never made a lick of sense to me. Does anyone know what genius made this decision, or is this a demand of the networks? It seems extremely counter-productive. If anything should run head-to-head with Indy, it should be Silverstone or Spa. Those would make the sport leaps and bounds more appealing. As it works, I would expect Monaco to only steer more fans towards Indycar. This weekend has to be an annual win for Indycar.

 

They compliment each other nicely. F1 couldn't pull off the Indy 500, and Indycar couldn't pull of the Monaco GP.

[f1paul]

I wonder whether the pattern of FE on a Saturday being a far better *race*, to Sunday's F1, will continue today...?

It's Monaco, so of course it will.

Hopefully the F1 race can at least be half as good as yesterday's FE race. Like I said, you just never know.

 

Look at how many memorable moments Monaco has served us in its 90 year history, yes some of it was ages ago but some was quite recent too.

 

2015 - Hamilton loses the race due to poor strategy call

2016 - Ricciardo and the tyres not ready (plus it was wet)

2017 - We did get a lead change between the Ferraris I guess through the pitstop phase although team orders may have been involved

2018 - Ricciardo had a reliability issue which did at least build up the tension.

 

Now before, I've hyped up far too much, can we have some more "borefest" "this is going to be boring" posts please. 

[Marklar]

This is a legit question, and not a complaint. Why does the FIA think Monaco is the right race to host on the same weekend as the Indy500? As the Indy500 brings a lot of new viewers to their TVs, and F1 gets a chance to show off to new fans, why was the decision made to show the single worst race on the same day?

If I'm a new fan, and I'm watching the 2 races back-to-back, I know exactly which series comes off looking better. This has never made a lick of sense to me. Does anyone know what genius made this decision, or is this a demand of the networks? It seems extremely counter-productive. If anything should run head-to-head with Indy, it should be Silverstone or Spa. Those would make the sport leaps and bounds more appealing. As it works, I would expect Monaco to only steer more fans towards Indycar. This weekend has to be an annual win for Indycar.

Both want the Memorial Week iirc I think?

Dont agree with your verdict though. Monaco has for the casual viewer outside of the USA more prestige, they dont really care if the race is exciting or not, and it's possible that those "new fans" dont even get to see both races. Your opinion may be true for the pure racing fan, but those have anyways formed an opinion and those two races are not clashing anyways. If anything it helps both series if they are marketed together (including the Nascar race) as the big day of Motor Racing. The Monaco GP would probably have less viewers in the USA on a standalone weekend, while Indy500 would have less in Europe.

[Risil]

That said, if there's one thing Monaco and the Indy 500 share, it's that they both punish mistakes harshly. At the same time, they also punish simple misfortune harshly (think about Hamilton losing track position to Vettel in 2015(?), or Coulthard being stuck behind Bernoldi in 2001). You need to be accurate, consistent and lucky to win either.

[ANF]

This hairpin, by the way, is no longer called the Fairmont Hairpin, nor is it the Grand Hotel Hairpin or Loews Hairpin; on modern circuit maps it seems to go by the name of Virage Sun Casino.

[MikeV1987]

Live

 

I like the hats

[RPM40]

Anything can happen in Formula 1 and usually doesn’t

[f1paul]

[SophieB]

This hairpin, by the way, is no longer called the Fairmont Hairpin, nor is it the Grand Hotel Hairpin or Loews Hairpin; on modern circuit maps it seems to go by the name of Virage Sun Casino.

Well that’s just grim.

[TauriJ]

Chances of rain?

First drops of rain falling over #MonacoGP harbour now. Just a few isolated drops at the moment, but the forecast is for an 80% chance of rain. Which could make things very entertaining. #Fit4F1

[Risil]

This hairpin, by the way, is no longer called the Fairmont Hairpin, nor is it the Grand Hotel Hairpin or Loews Hairpin; on modern circuit maps it seems to go by the name of Virage Sun Casino.

 

My favourite incarnation was the "Everyone crashes while staring at the 50 foot Martini model" hairpin. Actually, what is the name of the corner following Loews/Grand Hotel/Fairmont/etc?

[BuddyHolly]

First drops of rain falling over #MonacoGP harbour now. Just a few isolated drops at the moment, but the forecast is for an 80% chance of rain. Which could make things very entertaining. #Fit4F1

ohh..  but please hold off until lap 2-3, no SC start wanted.

[Ben1445]

This hairpin, by the way, is no longer called the Fairmont Hairpin, nor is it the Grand Hotel Hairpin or Loews Hairpin; on modern circuit maps it seems to go by the name of Virage Sun Casino.

It will always be Station Hairpin to me 

[MJB5990]

Lewis is always far more open with Natalie compared with Rosanna. Might be that Pinks is just far less awkward with her questions.

[Pimpwerx]

Both want the Memorial Week iirc I think?

Dont agree with your verdict though. Monaco has for the casual viewer outside of the USA more prestige, they dont really care if the race is exciting or not, and it's possible that those "new fans" dont even get to see both races. Your opinion may be true for the pure racing fan, but those have anyways formed an opinion and those two races are not clashing anyways. If anything it helps both series if they are marketed together (including the Nascar race) as the big day of Motor Racing. The Monaco GP would probably have less viewers in the USA on a standalone weekend, while Indy500 would have less in Europe.

In the US, Monaco is one of the featured F1 races. It gets put on the free channels, traditionally. However, I think that's more due to Memorial Day Sunday being deemed a major motorsports day. I think F1 could easily position either of the other 2 races on this day, and manage to get a better fan reaction. Americans don't know half the so-called celebs at Monaco, and 90% of them don't know where Monaco is. The prestige is largely a European thing. I'm pretty certain most Asians are even more clueless about where it's located. I don't think it resonates with American viewers at all, and the on-track action doesn't exactly leave any great memories for those who watch.

 

The spectacle thing is overblown IMO. The Coca Cola 600 probably draws more American viewers, and it's run in Charlotte where the atmosphere is probably beer cans and jorts. I can only assume this is tailored more towards the holidays in Europe, as it just makes no sense to me for the Americas.

[P123]

Hopefully the F1 race can at least be half as good as yesterday's FE race. Like I said, you just never know.
 
Look at how many memorable moments Monaco has served us in its 90 year history, yes some of it was ages ago but some was quite recent too.
 
2015 - Hamilton loses the race due to poor strategy call
2016 - Ricciardo and the tyres not ready (plus it was wet)
2017 - We did get a lead change between the Ferraris I guess through the pitstop phase although team orders may have been involved
2018 - Ricciardo had a reliability issue which did at least build up the tension.
 
Now before, I've hyped up far too much, can we have some more "borefest" "this is going to be boring" posts please. 

I'll just say, those were still boring races, apart from the wet one.

Although no doubt we'll have to put up with many people acting like they have never seen a boring races around the streets of Monaco before.

[noikeee]

Hope you guys enjoyed yesterday's real show and are hyped up for today's commemorative parade.

[f1paul]

I'll just say, those were still boring races, apart from the wet one.

Although no doubt we'll have to put up with many people acting like they have never seen a boring races around the streets of Monaco before.

They were pretty boring overall, but those moments were it kicked off were pretty tense. 

[cheekybru]

Yes there is extremely limited overtaking at Monaco

But in my eyes it is far from boring, I just enjoy watching the drivers get so close to the barriers, I find it incredible to watch (the last corner in particular, they always look like they will tag it with the rear wheel,but they never do)

It's a race I always look forward to watching, despite knowing that overtaking will not be happening much

[TomNokoe]

I remember thinking last year’s race was really tense because of the severe tyre graining and Ricciardo’s problems, only for everyone else to hate it

 

I am surprised that Pirelli think C5 -> C3 is the best strategy. The C3 looked absolutely terrible on Thursday and will struggle for warm up. C5 -> C4 surely.

 

I think this 80% rain number is false. Pirelli tweeted it this morning and it continues to circulate. It’s more like 30%.

[ANF]

Actually, what is the name of the corner following Loews/Grand Hotel/Fairmont/etc?

The corner between the hairpin and Portier is Mirabeau Bas. And Mirabeau, that is the Mirabeau before the hairpin, is actually Mirabeau Haute.

[ANF]

It will always be Station Hairpin to me

Oh, I thought Station Hairpin was the old pre-Rascasse hairpin at the end of the lap. But that was called the Gasworks Hairpin. https://www.motorspo...its/monte-carlo

[thefinalapex]

Is it training yet? I hope it will happen a few laps in.

[Risil]

I remember thinking last year’s race was really tense because of the severe tyre graining and Ricciardo’s problems, only for everyone else to hate it

I enjoyed it too, but it took the shine off a bit when everyone pointed out how far off the pace they were all going.

[KWSN - DSM]

Live

 

I like the hats

 

I like how they are relaxed and chatting along.

 

[ARTGP]

So it would not appear to be raining.

[KWSN - DSM]

In the US, Monaco is one of the featured F1 races. It gets put on the free channels, traditionally. However, I think that's more due to Memorial Day Sunday being deemed a major motorsports day. I think F1 could easily position either of the other 2 races on this day, and manage to get a better fan reaction. Americans don't know half the so-called celebs at Monaco, and 90% of them don't know where Monaco is. The prestige is largely a European thing. I'm pretty certain most Asians are even more clueless about where it's located. I don't think it resonates with American viewers at all, and the on-track action doesn't exactly leave any great memories for those who watch.

 

The spectacle thing is overblown IMO. The Coca Cola 600 probably draws more American viewers, and it's run in Charlotte where the atmosphere is probably beer cans and jorts. I can only assume this is tailored more towards the holidays in Europe, as it just makes no sense to me for the Americas.

 

Americans is fully aware of Monaco, it is the most glamorous place in the world and they can think of. The Prince's mother was an American.

 

[TomNokoe]

BBC - 10-30%
Weather.com - 25-30%
AccuWeather - 35-50%
MeteoFrance - 50%

[CPR]

Looking at the radar, there is rain coming in but it's breaking up. It's also light rain. So even if any hits I think it'd dry out before the race.

[gillesfan76]

 

Which Mercedes is that?

[SophieB]

Which Mercedes is that?

Bottas.

[Anderis]

I had intended not to watch this race but even a little bit of rain should make things interesting and I might reconsider.

[gillesfan76]

Bottas.

 

Very impressive, he's drifting that around perfectly and actually looks faster than the tidy way around. He clearly has superb car control.

[aray]

Readying myself for 2 hours borefest( with occasional excitements provided by some crashes).

[gillesfan76]

ESPN showing the Billy Monger documentary including the accident. Horrifying but inspiring stuff.

[ARTGP]

Readying myself for 2 hours borefest( with occasional excitements provided by some crashes).

 

We are such masochist on here as you can tell .

Edited by ARTGP, 26 May 2019 - 12:19.