Monaco Grand Prix (redirected from Grand Prix of Monaco)

Monaco Grand Prix

May

One of the last true road circuits, the Monaco Grand Prix winds through the streets of Monte Carlo, along the harbor, and through a tunnel. It is a Formula One motor race, which refers to very specific rules governing the car's weight, maximum number of cylinders, fuel, and engine cylinder capacity. First run in 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has a lap distance of 1.95 miles with an unusually high number of corners, which demand constant gear-changes and maximum concentration from the drivers. In 1955 an Italian car skidded and ended up in the harbor, underscoring the dangerous and unusual nature of this race.
Formula One cars are single-seaters, although prior to the 1920s the mechanic rode in the car as well. The engine is located in the rear, and the driver, protected by special clothing, a crash helmet, and goggles, steers with a very small wheel from a reclining position, to reduce air drag to a minimum. Grand Prix races are held all over the world and are approximately 200 miles in length. But most are now run on specially constructed courses designed to simulate road conditions.

CONTACTS:
Monaco Government Tourist Office
565 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10017
800-753-9696 or 212-286-3330; fax: 212-286-9890
www.visitmonaco.com

SOURCES:
GdWrldFest-1985, p. 137