MONACO GRAND PRIX

The Monaco Formula One Grand Prix is a world famous event that takes place in the tiny principality once a year. Even if you are not a motor racing enthusiast it is still 'the event' to go to in Monaco, attracting Hollywood stars and famous celebrities from all walks of Life.

It is also the favourite event of Monaco's Royal family with his serene highness Prince Albert and the entire royal family presiding over the week long social and sporting events.

It is the most unique race in the Formula One calendar with the tight twisty streets providing a sound and visual spectacular like no other. The beautiful back drop, the glamourous crowd and the audible shock of these cars make this event a once in a lifetime experience.

Pack your ear plugs, your best camera and your poshest clothes and dive straight in to the thick of this billionaire's playground, a social and sporting extravaganza.

The Monaco Grand Prix coincides with the end of the Cannes film festival, ensuring the highest Hollywood head count on the circuit and a calendar that is as packed with social events as it is with sporting events.


The line up for the sporting weekend includes the Porsche Supercup Challenge, Formula Renault 3.5 and the GP2 championship which harbours many Formula One wannabes and future F1 stars.


Programme, Monaco GP

The racing programme starts on thursday morning at 8.30am with the first of the practise sessions. Formula Renaults take to the track first and the first Formula One session begins at 10.00am. The second F1 session is after lunch at 14.00 and all the sessions are over at 18.30pm when the track is reopened.

Friday is traditonally an off day for the Formula One teams but there are some GP2 practise sessions in the morning from 9.00am until lunchtime. Saturday sees a full programme with a Formula One practise session, Formula One qualifying session and the GP2 race.

On Sunday morning the Porsche Supercup and Renaults complete their races and the Formula One drivers parade begins at 12.30. The Formula One race begins at 14.00 on the button and will run over 78 laps. The track is expected to be reopened to the public by 19.00.


Where to sit for the Monaco Grand Prix

In recent years the Monaco F1 track has been extended remodelled and space made for extra grandstands and better viewing facilities. The largest area of granstand seating is throughout the Swimming Pool Complex and through into Rascasse where there are also large screens set up so you can see the entire track.

There are some standing only areas which are very cheap tickets but there is a reason for that. Views are limited and you will find yourself clinging to a hillside with a finer view of the mountains than of the cars.

They are still great tickets if you are more into the atmosphere and the fun of the event that a real car afficonado and for many people they are they best chance of getting to see the Monaco F1 grand Prix at all.

For the full glamour experience and a beautiful backdrop then try to get tickets for the granstands in Casino Square but if you want to get as close to the cars as possible then elect for the swimming pool complex where, from the front seats, you can practically see the whites of the Formula One drivers eyes.


Price guides for the Monaco Grand Prix

Prices are somewhat eye watering ranging from €260 to €450 for raceday granstand seats alone but it is the experience of a lifetime and something you will remember forever if you are a Formula One race fan.

The best value for money, if your interest is solely in the cars is to buy granstand seats for Thursdays F1 practise sessions and watch the race on television nearby. You will see three hours of F1 cars for much less money and still be able to soak up the atmosphere.

Tickets are available to book directly though the Automobile Club de Monaco so you don't have to book an expensive all inclusive package. Stay in an apartment or villa in a neighbouring town to avoid high hotel prices and buy your tickets directly from the ACM.

Find contact details for the Monaco Grand Prix in the RG directory under Monaco-Attraction-Events.