3 things you need to know about the Monaco Grand Prix
Formula One returns to Monte Carlo for the 74th Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. ET (2:00 p.m. local time).
Here are three things you need to know.
The Track
| Circuit de Monaco | |
|---|---|
| Circuit length | 3.337 km |
| Number of laps | 78 |
| Race distance | 260.286 km |
(Courtesy: Formula One)
The course hasn't changed much since becoming a regular part of the Formula One schedule in 1955. ... Overtaking is difficult, placing added importance on qualifying. ... The Loews hairpin is the slowest turn in Formula One.
Ferrari hasn't won in Monaco since 2001
Ferrari's hopes of ending its drought in Monaco didn't look bright following Thursday's practice session. Sebastian Vettel brushed the wall not once, but twice. Afterward, he remained optimistic about how his team will fare during Saturday's qualifying - even in the wake of a strong showing from Red Bull.
"Here, a good qualifying is almost half the race win," Vettel told reporters. "Having said that we will focus on our own performance - and in an ideal world we will be right on front row."
Red Bull, Ricciardo have sights set on pole, victory
An upgraded power unit helped Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo pace the field in second practice Thursday. Ricciardo came away with a 0.606 second advantage over Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, but knows nothing will be handed to him come qualifying on Saturday.
"If you're going to pick the races on the calendar to win then Monaco is up there," Ricciardo said. "It's so prestigious, and you can really show personality around this track. Come qualifying and race day Mercedes will turn it up but hopefully I can stay in front. I'll be surprised if we can keep the gap we have today in qualifying but we will see how we go."