Monaco Formula One Grand Prix

Created in 1929 by Anthony Noghes, president and founder of the Club Automobile of Monaco, to bring international motor sport to Monaco. The first GP was held there in 1929, it was on the calendar for the first year (1950) of the Formula One World Champonship, and it has hosted a round continuously since 1955.

Despite the difficult working conditions for the teams, and the unforgiving nature of the track for drivers and cars alike, the Monaco Grand Prix is seen as a Jewel in the Crown of the Formula One World Championship racing.

The circuit twists and turns through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo and along the harbour front. The track layout has not changed essentially since 1929, but in 1973 the new "Piscine" section was added around the seafront swimming-pool, and three chicanes have been added over the years.

It imposes enormous strains on both, drivers and cars - in 1996 only 3 cars finished! Due to its demanding nature, Monaco usually produces memorable races, but spectating is limited to small glimpses from grandstand or hotel balconies. Monaco has seen many great unexpected victories - Stirling Moss in a privateer Lotus beating the works Ferraris in 1961, for example.