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MONACO – This street circuit is extremely tight and twisty, rendering overtaking almost impossible. It also has the biggest elevations of any grand prix circuit. The cars power up the Beau Rivage to Casino Square and then wind their way back down through the famous hairpin section.
There is very little grip, so soft tires and the highest possible downforce setting are the order of the day. Most corners are taken in first or second gear, requiring teams to install low ratios.
The most challenging corners are Turn 1, Sainte Devote, where drivers are greeted with an Armco barrier if they turn in just 1km/h too fast. It's easy to miss the braking point as the entrance to the corner is so bumpy. Massenet, at the crest of the Beau Rivage, is blind on entry, and often the scene of pile-ups. The Hairpin – the most famous turn in F1 – is also the slowest and requires full lock and gentle throttle application. The Tunnel - the only one in F1 - really is a shock to the eyes as drivers plunge in and out of darkness; the sound as the engine noise bounces off the walls is incredible. The chicane at the Swimming Pool really does defy physics as the cars bounce across its curbs.
This circuit requires 100 percent concentration from all the drivers, as the slightest mistake could ruin their weekend. After qualifying, the drivers' eyes appear to be on stalks.
Local start time: 14h00
Number of laps: 78
Circuit length: 3.340km
Race distance: 260.520km
Grand prix debut: 1929
Lap record: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari, 2004), 1:14.439
2012 QUALIFYING:
1) Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) – started with grid penalty
2) Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
3) Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
10) Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 RACE RESULTS:
1) Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2) Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
3) Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
4) Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
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