Glorious Monaco!
This is one Grand Prix that I always look forward to. The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the only races left on the calendar that oozes charisma, a circuit that has a name for every corner (most of them famous) and is set in one of the most famous towns in Europe: Monte Carlo. The home of the world's rich and not-so famous is the most glamorous date on the F1 calendar, where some of the most high-profile guests will be seen (despite Ecclestone's efforts, movie stars would rather be at Monaco than Shanghai) . It's a place where an armco barrier is never far away, car floors are battered by wicked bumps and drain covers, plus finding a way past your opponent is notoriously hard.
Despite the current bullet-proof reliabilty of Grand Prix cars, attrition rates will be higher here, as gear boxes get a real hammering, tyres glancing on the barriers can break suspensions and collisions are more likely as drivers try more desperate moves to get past. Mechanics will be grumbling as the cramped pits make things difficult when preparing the cars and the sponsors will be wondering where to put their guests (ideally in grandstands behind the paying public).
Like the Dutch TT at Assen, the Monaco grand Prix is one of the only races left that marches to it's own tune. The famous motorcycle race is always held on a Saturday, an uncommon occurance these days. Monaco runs practices on Thursday and keeps all the money taken at the weekend. Surely an arrangement that Silverstone would love to have!
Yesterdays practice proved that even though his car is a bit of a dog, Lewis Hamilton could be contention, as he was third fastest in both sessions. Niko Rosberg and Williams topped the lap chart, however this has become a common sight over the last few Grand Prix's as the German often dominates practice but disappears in qualifying and the race. Championship leader Jenson Button is a little further down the order but expect him to shine massively tomorrow. He's a bit good, you know.
