Monaco - circuit guide

First held in 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix is arguably the most evocative and certainly the most prestigious race on the calendar.

Racing on the streets of the principality, around its harbour, this circuit is extremely tight and twisty, making overtaking almost impossible. It also has the biggest elevations of any grand prix circuit - the cars power up the Beau Rivage up to Casino Square and then wind their way back down through the famous hairpin section.

There is very little grip, so soft tyres and the highest possible downforce setting are the order of the day. Most corners are taken in first or second gear, requiring transmission engineers to install low ratios.

The most challenging corners are Turn 1, Sainte Devote, where drivers are greeted with an Armco barrier if they turn in just 1kph too fast - it does have an escape road, though, and so this encourages the more ambitious drivers to have a go and attempt a pass. It's easy to miss the braking point as the entrance to the corner is so bumpy; Massenet, at the crest of the Beau Rivage, is blind on entry, and often the scene of pile-ups; The hairpin - the most famous turn in F1 - is also the slowest and requires full lock and gentle throttle applcation; The tunnel - the only one in F1 - really is a shock to the eyes as drivers plunge in and out of darkness - the sound as the engine noise bounces off the walls is incredible; And the chicane at the Swimming Pool really does defy physics as the cars bounce across its kerbs.

Overall, this circuit requires 100 percent concentration from all the drivers, as the slightest mistake could ruin their weekend. After qualifying, the drivers eyes appear to be on stalks.

Ayrton Senna and Graham Hill were the kings of Monte Carlo, winning six and five races respectively. In recent years, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have both accepted the winner's trophy from Prince Ranier.