Monaco GP Thread (Contains Quali/Race spoilers) - Sponsored by Insomnia

[GSC]

F1 returns to the streets of Monaco for arguably the most famous race of them all.

Set around the harbour in the principality, the world's rich and famous have docked their yachts for what is a week-long event and the only race where bars spill out onto the circuit with tables and chairs in the evening.

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The 2014 Monaco GP in a nutshell
Track: Circuit de Monaco. Street circuit.
Race start time: 1pm UK time Sunday (2pm local).

Laps: 78.

Track length: 3.340 km.

Tyre allocation: Soft (yellow) and Supersoft (red).

DRS Zones: One (Pit Straight).

Driver steward: Derek Warwick.

Lap record: Michael Schumacher - 1:14.439 (Ferrari; 2004).

2013 pole: Nico Rosberg - 1:13.876 (Mercedes).

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Form guide
Nico Rosberg emulated his father Keke by taking victory in Monaco last year, but he is a long way short of Ayrton Senna's record of six wins on the streets of the principality. Of the current drivers, Fernando Alonso is the only multiple victor having both stood atop the podium twice back in 2006-2007, whilst Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel have all taken one win apiece. Ferrari, meanwhile, haven't won in Monaco for 13 years.

2013 result: 1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes); 2. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull); 3. Mark Webber (Red Bull); 4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes); 5. Adrian Sutil (Force India); 6. Jenson Button (McLaren); 7. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari); 8. Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso); 9. Paul Di Resta (Force India); 10. Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus).

Last five winners in Monaco: 2013: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes); 2012: Mark Webber (Red Bull); 2011: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull); 2010: Mark Webber (Red Bull); 2009: Jenson Button (Brawn).

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Tyre allocation
In reflection of the famous old street circuit's slow and twisty confines, Pirellli are bringing their softest two compounds to the race weekend - meaning the supersoft tyre makes its first appearance of the season.

"Monaco is the slowest circuit on the calendar, which is very twisty with smooth asphalt, and also relies heavily on mechanical grip from the tyres," Pirelli said ahead of the event. "This makes it the perfect place for the supersoft with its rapid warm-up to make its 2014 debut, in combination with the soft.

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Sky Bet odds
Unsurprisingly, Lewis Hamilton maintains his 100% pre-weekend status in 2014 as the favourite for the race victory with Sky Bet at 8/13. Nico Rosberg is 7/4 to halt his team-mate's winning run with Sebastian Vettel back up to third favourite, 14/1, following his stirring recovery drive in Spain

[Guest]

Thursday practice should give us an insight into how realistic a RB/Ferrari challenge will be. Hamilton needs to step up his game around here, hasn't been a happy hunting ground in recent years. Huge weekend for Rosberg at his home race.

Exciting times ahead or will it be

[harryspiv]

I was in Monaco last month as the grandstands and track were being prepared, I even sat on pole position for a bit, the place is truly magical but unless you are a multi millionaire don't even think about going to see the race.

[dyrewolfe]

Heh. I would love to do what the Top Gear guys did a while back and drive hot hatches round the circuit, a few days before the F1 circus rolls into town.

Its a stunning venue but I think it would be a bit crowded for my tastes on a race weekend. Plus I'd get fed up with looking at / bumping into filthy-rich so-and-sos everywhere...not that I'm jealous or anything...

Think I'll only be watching quali all the way through. I'll have the race on, but just check back for a few laps now and again.

Unless Rosberg can find a way to squeeze a few extra tenths out of his car, or unless Hamilton has problems, I don't see things being any different from Spain.

I know Red Bull showed they could be pretty competitive, but I think their aerodynamics work best through fast corners, whereas Monaco is mostly low speed corners, very stop-start and basically needing good acceleration and traction out of corners.

Of course, Mercedes' speed advantage will be negated to a degree, so who knows...?

[GSC]

Maldonados arrived

[Guest]

 

[GSC]

I can't take credit for that

[Fernando]

It's going to be fun this weekend they have resurfaced most the track. So the oils in the heat will make it super slippy.

RB have been told to remove their camera mount from inside the front nose to a standard one.

[CaledonianCraig]

First practice under way and Mercedes in command. Ricciardo again outpacing Vettel but Red Bull's keeping relatively close to Mercedes times.

[dyrewolfe]

Maldonados arrived

Ouch! I wouldn't want to have to pick up the repair bill for that.

[AlciG]

Maldonados arrived

Ouch! I wouldn't want to have to pick up the repair bill for that.

I would as it would mean I could actually afford to have such a boat.

[GSC]

Raining in P2.

Be interesting how much running we get in the wet with these cars. Teams might not fancy a late night fixing the cars

[CaledonianCraig]

I think most will leave it until about halfway through the session before venturing out when the track has dried out somewhat. There isn't anything to be gained going out now, running the risk of crashing into barriers and damaging the car.

[lorus59]

I am amazed that the poll wasn't unanimous as a Hamilton win. he is hungry after all.

[CaledonianCraig]

I'd say it perhaps isn't unaniminous due to the circuit and the driving styles of both. Rosberg won round Monaco last year and has a more measured approach to driving an F1 car whereas Lewis has a more cavalier-style who will take more chances. That style makes Lewis a faster driver but more prone to crashing into a barrier here if he tries a cavalier move rather than Nico if you see what I mean.

[Guest]

Nico signs a new deal to the end of 2016. Puts and end to the Alonso story.

[Fernando]

Welcome to another 3 seasons of team mate pounding in superior cars.

[Guest]

Ricciardo splits the Mercedes in FP3. Could be a great qualifying. This is basically what Hamilton wanted, a threat to Rosberg`s 2nd places. Of course, Hamilton has to deliver in qualifying & get pole but you get my drift.

[lorus59]

Hamilton to set pole, run away from the front and post the fastest lap. F1 is groundhog day again.

[Fernando]

1) Rosberg
2) Hamilton
3) Ricciardo
4) Vettel
5) Alonso
6) Kimi
7) Vergne
8) Magnussen
9) Kyvat
10) Perez

[GSC]

About time Rosberg got his elbows out

[Fernando]

Im waiting for the conspiracy theorists to come out.

Let's face it if he wanted to end the session he'd have buried it in the barriers.

[dyrewolfe]

Im waiting for the conspiracy theorists to come out.

Let's face it if he wanted to end the session he'd have buried it in the barriers.

What...and cost his team time and money repairing the car?

Don't you think it was incredibly convenient that he just happened to go off right at the end of the session, in provisional pole, while Lewis was behind him on a quicker lap, thus compromising Hamilton's (and Ricciardo's) final pole attempt? Nico would have known this, as his race engineer would have told him.

Bit too convenient for me to believe it was a genuine error. Also, don't you think Nico looked just a bit too pleased with himself in the post-quali interview? it was pretty obvious from Hamilton's expression and terseness that he thought it was deliberate.

I'll be rather sad and will lose some respect for Nico if it turns out he deliberately prevented Lewis taking pole...which he would have done, barring any mistakes.

Wonder if this will signal the beginning of the breakdown of their relationship?


On the other hand, looking at it objectively, Nico really needs another win to keep his rivalry with Lewis going...and to maintain some interest in the Championship. A Mercedes 1-2 at Monaco, with Rosberg winning, won't alter the title race that much. However, Rosberg might find his actions just spur Hamilton even further.

[Bull]

It wasn't deliberate. He made a mistake but luck was on his side and it worked out for him. Who wouldn't be happy after a mistake that could have costed you worked for you? Exactly nothing to see here, if he is found guilty then he will be punished and that will be the end of that.

I reckon Nico and Lewis will sort this between themselves, they are professionals I doubt this will ruin their relationship.

[dyrewolfe]

It wasn't deliberate. He made a mistake but luck was on his side and it worked out for him. Who wouldn't be happy after a mistake that could have costed you worked for you? Exactly nothing to see here, if he is found guilty then he will be punished and that will be the end of that.

I reckon Nico and Lewis will sort this between themselves, they are professionals I doubt this will ruin their relationship.  

We don't know that for sure.

As I said - way too convenient for my liking.

[nathan]

It wasn't deliberate. He made a mistake but luck was on his side and it worked out for him. Who wouldn't be happy after a mistake that could have costed you worked for you? Exactly nothing to see here, if he is found guilty then he will be punished and that will be the end of that.

I reckon Nico and Lewis will sort this between themselves, they are professionals I doubt this will ruin their relationship.  

There is only one person who truly knows if it was deliberate or not and thats Rosberg. Pointless in us saying it was/wasn't deliberate.

Should make for an interesting season between them.

[GSC]

We'll never know I guess

[banbrotam]

Whatever the situation it's bonkers that a driver can make a mistake and gain, in qualifying

[Gerry SA]

I all ways enjoy a little needle in any sport.

More so in F1.

I think Hamilton riled/upset Rosberg with the 'I'm hungrier than Nico, because his old man was rich' comments.

I all ways had Rosberg as being a little soft(Bahrain and Barcelona spring to mind. A tougher racer might've bullied their way passed Hamilton), but it will be nice to see Rosberg and Hamilton go at it gloves off.

[Hulking_up]

Did Rosberg reverse back from where he stopped before everyone went pass him?
If he did then that was naughty.

[CaledonianCraig]

Apparently, the stewards are investigating the incident.

[GSC]

Aye for reversing

He was cleared tho

[erictheblueuk]

Aye for reversing

He was cleared tho

Could they have let all the other cars pass by, then let him reverse?

[Guest]

F1`s outgrown Monaco, hence you can get into this situation of making an error & gaining, leading to inevitable yellow flags. Do I think it was deliberate.....hard to say. Fact is, he's been cleared.

The sceptics will say, when you can't beat someone fairly, you lower yourself to cheating. If Hamilton is so riled, he should probably just return the favour in the first corner & take both of them out. Rosberg crashed to preserve his pole, Hamilton takes them both out to preserve his championship lead. You get my drift.

[Hulking_up]

That bird who does the interviews on Sky F1 was talking to Glen Johnson and she asked him "What are your plans for the Summer?"
LOL.

[GSC]

Be interesting to see how Mercedes play this, Hamiltons got the undercut when he's led, traffic can very easily wreck that strategy here though

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Hamilton crying like a little child on the radio

[GSC]

Marussia 1 place from a point

[GSC]

Bianchi, drive of the season

[Guest]

Predictably boring. Deserved win for Rosberg. Well done Marussia. Vettel having a Webber season with issues.

[Bull]

Bianchi undoubtfully driver of the race. Very very well done to get the team some points.
Speaking of which rumours are spreading that Catherham have been put on sale?

[Mad for Chelsea]

Bianchi

Monaco, while a superb occasion, presents very little in the way of exciting racing unfortunately. Tricky circuit to drive on, and the length of the race forces a few errors, but it's too narrow, too twisty and in general very very difficult to overtake.

I do think for the Championship it was important for Rosberg to win here.

Good drive from Ricciardo again, did well to catch Hamilton, but couldn't overtake him.

[CaledonianCraig]

Story of the race for me - Jules Bianchi scoring Marussia's first world championship points. Great stuff and a reward for sticking at it through very hard times and who knows they may now finish above Sauber as well. As for the Rosberg he kept his cool to win but you get the impression that the relationship between Rosberg and Hamilton has turned decidedly frostier. Really a decent race which had much happening down the field.

[GSC]

Toys out the pram from Hamilton a bit. You sensed Rosberg had to get under his skin to make a fight of this

[Guest]

Yeah, annoys me when he turns like this, just needed to accept defeat & move on. Best way for Nico to win this championship was to irk Lewis with some kind of action, like in qualifying, intentional or not. Lewis becomes vulnerable, when he feels unfairly treated & it usually makes him psychologically unstable & that effects his driving & happiness.

Lewis just needs to remain quiet, instead of this `we`re not friends` rubbish, post race. Move onto Canada, his strong track, grab pole & win the race.

[TopoftheChops]

It's time to sort out the circuit for the grand prix. They should cut out the turn after the tunnel, will lead to more overtaking. Rosberg cheated his way to victory, typical german tactics emulating schumacher and vettel

[Fernando]

Don't worry John that's not even the worse thing he's complained about this weekend.

It was confirmed that Lewis got annoyed by Nico doing keepy uppies and kicking the ball against the garage before qualifying as he was trying to relax.

[GSC]

It's time to sort out the circuit for the grand prix. They should cut out the turn after the tunnel, will lead to more overtaking. Rosberg cheated his way to victory, typical german tactics emulating schumacher and vettel

Not really, the corner after the chicane is firmly a one line corner.

Ideally it'd be dumped altogether, not fit for purpose

[sportform]

Predictably boring. Deserved win for Rosberg. Well done Marussia. Vettel having a Webber season with issues.

Boring? I disagree. I thought it was a very good grand prix with proper overtaking, Hulkenberg and Bianchi being the highlights. None of this 'press the overtake button' to pass nonsense we have in most races nowadays. It was a little disappointing that Lewis Hamilton had an eye problem and didn't have a go a Nico Rosberg, in the car anyway.

I think this Drivers Championship is bubbling up nicely and credit goes to Mercedes for letting them races unlike the previous season of the Vettel and Red Bull borefest.

[sportform]

It's time to sort out the circuit for the grand prix. They should cut out the turn after the tunnel, will lead to more overtaking. Rosberg cheated his way to victory, typical german tactics emulating schumacher and vettel

I don't think the circuit needs changing. There was enough overtaking today and some good ones too. I don't want races with easy overtaking lanes and boost buttons to pass. This is supposed to be Formula 1 not wacky races.

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