Introduction

First held in 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has a unique place in motor sporting history. While the principality has changed a lot since then, parts of the track are still recognisable, and the venue retains its special character, with its blast through the tunnel and along the harbour front, where rows of priceless yachts are moored. While passing has never been easy the race has traditionally been won by the greatest drivers, with names like Prost, Senna and Schumacher figuring on the roll of honour. But it does occasionally produce a surprise result, with Jean-Pierre Beltoise, Olivier Panis and Jarno Trulli all scoring their only F1 wins at the street venue.

Facts

• The race is the shortest in terms of distance on the F1 schedule, running to only 260.
• 5kms or 161.
• 8 miles.
• Monaco has a unique schedule with the first day of F1 practice on Thursday followed by a rest day on Friday when only the supporting categories are in action.
• Adrian Sutil was the hero of the 2008 race for Force India, pitting late and climbing to a superb fourth place before he was hit from behind by Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari.
• Force India has scored points in each of the past three years, with Giancarlo Fisichella taking ninth in 2009, Adrian Sutil finishing eighth in 2010 and seventh in 2011, and finally Paul Di Resta and Nico Hülkenberg earning seventh and eighth in 2012.
• 2012 Sahara Force India Form: Paul Di Resta, 7th, Nico Hülkenberg 8th.