FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2014

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2014

The Monaco Grand Prix, also known as the Grand Prix de Monaco, is a Formula One motor race held each year on the Circuit de Monaco. Run since 1929, it is widely regarded as one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world, alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The circuit has been called "an exceptional location of glamour and prestige."

The race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, featuring many elevation changes, tight corners, a tunnel, and making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One. Despite the relatively low average speeds, it is a dangerous place to race. It is the only Grand Prix that does not adhere to the FIA's mandated minimum race distance of 305 kilometres (190 miles).

The first race, in 1929, was organized by Antony Noghès under the auspices of the "Automobile Club de Monaco" and was won by William Grover-Williams driving a Bugatti. The event was part of the pre-World War II European Championship and was included in the inaugural World Championship of Drivers in 1950. It was designated the European Grand Prix two times, in 1955 and 1963, when this title was an honorary designation given each year to one Grand Prix race in Europe. Graham Hill was known as "Mr. Monaco" due to his five Monaco wins in the 1960s. Brazil's Ayrton Senna won the race more times than any other driver, with six victories, including five consecutive wins between 1989 and 1993.

There is no other race quite like the Monaco Grand Prix. The glamour, history, and fans all combine to create an event unmatched in the world of sports. Stroll past the harbour filled with multi-million pound yachts, go star spotting on the streets, or try your luck in the grand casino. However you choose to spend your free time, make sure you are in your seat to catch the stars of the Motorsport world fly past you on the famous street circuit.

Monaco usually comes with an expensive price tag, but to make your break more affordable, we have plenty of accommodation options located in nearby Nice. The famous town in southern France welcomes Motosport enthusiasts each year and offers a fantastic beach, plenty of nightlife, and excellent restaurants.

Breaks include return flights, accommodation, and airport transfers. You can also add tickets, VIP Hospitality, and circuit transfers via coach, train, or helicopter to your booking.

The Circuit de Monaco consists of the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, which include the famous harbour. It is unique in having been held on the same circuit every time it has been run over such a long period — only the Italian Grand Prix, which has been held at Autodromo Nazionale Monza every year except 1980 and 1921, has a similarly lengthy and close relationship with a single circuit.

The race circuit features numerous elevation changes, tight corners, and a narrow course, making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One racing. As of 2010, two drivers have crashed and ended up in the harbour, the most famous being Alberto Ascari in 1955. Despite the course having undergone minor changes several times throughout its history, it remains considered the ultimate test of driving skills in Formula One. If it were not already an existing Grand Prix, it would not be permitted to be added to the schedule due to safety concerns. Even in 1929, 'La Vie Automobile' magazine offered the opinion that "Any respectable traffic system would have covered the track with signposts left, right and centre".

Triple Formula One champion Nelson Piquet was fond of saying that racing at Monaco was "like trying to cycle round your living room", but added that "a win here was worth two anywhere else".

Notably, the course includes a tunnel. The contrast between daylight and gloom when entering and exiting the tunnel presents "challenges not faced elsewhere," as drivers have to "adjust their vision as they emerge from the tunnel at the fastest point of the track and brake for the chicane in daylight."The fastest-ever lap was set by Kimi Räikkönen in qualifying for the 2006 Grand Prix, at 1m 13.532.

In 2014, Mercedes launched its W05 Formula 1 car

Mercedes revealed its 2014 Formula 1 challenger, the F1 W05, which it hopes will earn the marque its first world championship as a works team since 1955.

The new car completed a 40km shakedown in the hands of Nico Rosberg at Silverstone last Friday, and Lewis Hamilton is to drive the car for the first time at Jerez on Tuesday morning.

Paddy Lowe, who has effectively succeeded ex-team principal Ross Brawn at the helm of the chassis side of the team in his role as Executive Director (Technical), is satisfied with the work the team has done over the winter, both in developing the engine and the car.

"The whole team has done a fantastic job on the management of the project and its delivery," said Lowe.

"We have hit our milestones and hit our targets, but as ever, we will only begin to understand how successful we have been once we begin running in anger on track.

"The new car is an elegant, but aggressive, design, and as is often the way, its beauty is much more than skin deep.

"The internal engineering of the car is highly innovative and intelligent.

"Our team can be justifiably proud of its work so far - but none of us are under any illusions about the amount we still have to do before the first race in six weeks."

Mercedes had its most successful season since re-establishing its works team last year, winning three races and finishing second in the constructors' championship.

Toto Wolff, who heads the business side of the team, is confident that the team can build on last year's progress, but echoed the comments of rivals such as Ferrari, stating that reliability will be key.

"We have a busy winter testing period ahead of us and a long season where both performance and reliability will be critically important," said Wolff.

"Lewis and Nico begin the season hungry for success, and I am confident that our team will benefit thanks to the continuity of their work during the winter period.

"We have positive momentum after our second-place finish last season.

"Our clear target is to continue building up our team, and we aim to deliver on every single race weekend in 2014."

Mercedes has revealed its 2014 Formula 1 challenger, the F1 W05, which it hopes will earn the marque its first world championship as a works team since 1955.

The new car completed a 40km shakedown in the hands of Nico Rosberg at Silverstone last Friday, and Lewis Hamilton is to drive the car for the first time at Jerez on Tuesday morning.

Mercedes had its most successful season since re-establishing its works team last year, winning three races and finishing second in the constructors' championship.

The W05 features a nose solution similar to that on the Ferrari F14 T, without one of the controversial protrusions.

News and updates for Formula 1 Race details and recent results:

formula1.com

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