Sam Michael, Technical Director, Williams F1Monte Carlo is such a great circuit for Formula One. The drivers and engineers have todeal with so many extremes that doing well there is a real achievement. As a streetcircuit, Monaco has typically very low grip levels at the start of the weekend, but that significantly changes as the Bridgestone rubber is laid onto the track by the cars duringpractice and qualifying. In fact, the circuit evolves so much from one run to the next, it’squite difficult to evaluate set-up changes. Maximum downforce is the key, as well as the driver getting plenty of laps in during practice to get acquainted with the circuit. We will have some aero improvements on thecars for Monaco, which should improve our competitiveness and enable us to fight for points.
Monte Carlo, MonacoIt’s the social event of the season, but Monte Carlo is also one of the most challengingdestinations on the calendar. The two mile lap may be the shortest seen all year, but stillplaces extreme demands on the car and requires a unique set-up. First and foremost, Monaco is a street circuit, so soft tyres and a high downforce configuration are pre-requisites to counterbalance the poor grip levels which play havoc with the track in the opening sessions. The lap itself is dominated by slow speed corners and undulations, soa solid mechanical and aero balance is key. Evocative corners, such as Lowes, Chicaneand Rascasse are all taken in either first or second gear, so not only are the brakes worked considerably harder in Monaco than anywhere else, but the number of gearshifts made reaches over 4,000, approximately 500 more than at any other track. With speeds dipping to as low as 28mph on the entry to corners such as the Lowes hairpin, good traction to power the car out of the exit is also crucial to set a competitivelap time. With just 45% of the circuit driven at full throttle, the longest period lasting justeight seconds through the tunnel where speeds peak at 180mph, drivers record the lowest average lap speed of all races at Monaco so engines are given a relatively easy ride over the weekend. The tight, twisty nature of the track means precision is also paramount for the drivers, for the smallest of errors will be brutally punished by the unforgiving, and menacingly close,armco. Physically, the 78 lap race is also one of endurance as the drivers have to wrestle their machines round streets more suited to cruising convertibles. In summary,the playground of the rich and famous transforms itself into one of the season’s greatestchallenges, where only the best reap the reward.
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