Once considered a thoroughly dissolute and degenerate destination compared with more genteel neighbours such as Nice – Queen Victoria notably declined to visit while touring the area – Monaco has reinvented itself several times over the past two centuries.
First with the construction of the casinos, later as a tax-sheltered bolthole for the rich and famous. For much of that time the Monaco Grand Prix has been central to the Principality’s assertion of its identity.
When the forerunner of the modern FIA said non to the Automobile Club de Monaco’s request to be officially recognised as a national sporting authority – there was the small technicality of the Monte Carlo Rally not actually taking place on Monegasque soil – club grandee Antony Noghes hit back by proving he could organise an international motor race on the streets.
In the early years of the world championship, the restoration of the Monaco Grand Prix was a foundation of the newly ascended Prince Rainier’s strategy to rebuild the economy and rinse a national reputation tainted by ties to Nazi Germany.
And while its inscrutably tight confines might seem unsuitable for modern motor racing, they’ve been like that since William Grover-Williams fended off Rudolf Caracciola for victory in 1929, when the course’s hazards included tram rails, cliffs, brick walls and lamp posts.
Sometimes processional, often dicey, the Monaco Grand Prix will be missed this year – here are the 10 editions Autosport rates as the best…
10. 1992: Puncture puts pin in Mansell’s winning streak
On any track, on any weekend, Williams and Nigel Mansell were a virtually unbeatable combination in 1992. The FW14B’s active suspension was less of a factor in Monaco than elsewhere, perhaps, but ‘Our Nige’ had a history of frustration at this venue and wouldn’t be denied. Or would he?
On pole by almost a second from team-mate Riccardo Patrese, Mansell rocketed into an early lead as Ayrton Senna mugged Patrese for second place. But Senna’s…
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