Monaco reveals the ugly side of F1 as two pit stop regulation backfired

Lowdown on Monaco The crown jewel of F1, the Monaco GP is one of the most prestigious races in motorsport, which alongside 24 Hours of Le Mans and Indy500 forms the Triple Crown of Motorsport

- Sandip Sikdar [e-mail]

NEW DELHI: If the Monaco Grand Prix had been conceived today, it would never have fit the international automobile federation's (FIA) mandatory requirements to host a Formula 1 race.

Neither does it adhere to the mandated 305km minimum race distance, nor does it touch speeds in excess of 300kph. Overtaking is next to impossible due to the narrow streets which also makes it one of the most dangerous races because of almost negligible run-off areas.

But Monaco is not just any other race. It is the crown jewel of Formula 1, lapped in history, tradition and prestige, drawing the who's who from all spheres of life, making it the centre of glamour on that given Sunday.

It is also a real test of driver skill with only the finest excelling on the twisty, demanding and ruthless streets of Monte Carlo where even a small error ends the race.

It is the ultimate test too for a racer as it is perhaps the only circuit where the driver's skill outweighs the horsepower of the car compared to any other circuit. Only the true greats have succeeded in the principality multiple times with late Ayrton Senna being the most successful with six wins.