2008 Monaco Grand Prix

[Bram Turismo]

Monaco tends to have high attrition so anyone who finishes has a decent chance of points.

That's very true 👍

 

[Motominded]

one thing i like about Monaco is that the greatest are always good there.

Senna ~ 87,89,90,91,92,93
Schumacher ~ 94,95,97,99,01
G. Hill ~ 63,64,65,68,69
Prost ~ 84,85,86,88

Fred Alonzo ~ 06,07

 

[Craig HP]

A BMW win isn't going to happen.


They may be on the front row in qualifying, but we've seen the results for Kubica from a pole position earlier this year, BMW just hasn't got any chance against Ferrari incase of race speed, and nor did they against Mclaren in Turkey it seems...

I'm placing my bets on a Kimi - Hamilton battle, with Massa or Heikki coming third, if not a BMW...


Also, Bourdais in the points? Not a chance! He hasn't impressed me yet, and I refuse to believe Toro Rosso's new car will get them from the backfield to the midfield already...

Yes, Kubica got pole in Bahrain, but then again in Bahrain is a great circuit for overtaking, and Monaco is not. So all the BMW's need to do is get onto the front row, and then they will have a great chance of winning. Think about Trulli in the Renault at Monaco in 2004. It was losing around the same amount of time to the Ferraris in 2004 that the BMW's are losing to the Ferraris this year, and the Renault still won. So BMW have a very big chance.

Edited: Quoted by Alexander Wurz (Honda's test driver)

"With overtaking almost impossible at Monaco, gaining a good grid position is vital. For the engineers, finding their drivers a clear piece of track during qualifying, especially during Q1 when all 20 cars will be out, is as important as improving the car's set-up.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Well it doesn't take much for one to find out that qualifying is vital here

But even so, all Kimi needs is a good start, and even if he is behind Robert, he'll more than probably end up in the lead after a pitstop, so I'm not even counting in BMW for a win

 

[Craig HP]

Well it doesn't take much for one to find out that qualifying is vital here

But even so, all Kimi needs is a good start, and even if he is behind Robert, he'll more than probably end up in the lead after a pitstop, so I'm not even counting in BMW for a win

Okay, I will just wink back and then roll my eyes!

 

[SkengD]

No surprises on the podium this race , its either gonna be Ferrari or Mclaren (some combination of the drivers)

 

[mustang245]

i'm inclined to say it will be a ferrari win next week. Mclaren should challenge but lack of mechanical grip + tyres that don't last as long as they do on ferrari's and bmw's will cause a few problems with them. So in consideration of that, BMW taking a podium.

BMW podium? Bold prediction. But you make a good case. Ironic, McLaren's suspension/tire gremlins... After years, last one in particular, of suspensions that were noted for being 'kind' to tires. I can't wait til FP1... As ever, I hope for Alonso. A BMW podium would liven things up nicely, a Renault podium would be even better.👍

 

[nissan tuner]

A BMW podium would liven things up nicely

👍

Renault podium would be even better.👍

if by renault you mean Mark Webber, then yes i agree

 

[mustang245]

👍



if by renault you mean Mark Webber, then yes i agree

I didn't mean Mark Webber, he drives for Red Bull, a beverage conglomerate, which uses Renault engines. I doubt he'll ever see another podium... For Fernando Alonso, it's only a matter of time.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

I'm hoping for a Heikki win.

 

[Metar]

Monaco tends to have high attrition so anyone who finishes has a decent chance of points.

And if Bourdais can repeat his Australia performance, who knows. He impressed me deeply when, in the midst of a race that even claimed the likes of Kimi and Massa (I know they retired because of other problems, but they did many mistakes before), he kept a cool head in 4th, pulling away from the battling McLaren and Renault.

Yes, Kubica got pole in Bahrain, but then again in Bahrain is a great circuit for overtaking, and Monaco is not. So all the BMW's need to do is get onto the front row, and then they will have a great chance of winning. Think about Trulli in the Renault at Monaco in 2004. It was losing around the same amount of time to the Ferraris in 2004 that the BMW's are losing to the Ferraris this year, and the Renault still won. So BMW have a very big chance.

Once you're on front row, you still have a Ferrari pestering your diffusor - even if it stays a safe second or two behind you. All your rival needs is a lap or two of extra fuel (and we all know the Ferraris can afford that and still gain pole position), and that's it for the BMWs. As for Bahrain, Kubica was passed in the first corner - that's not overtaking, that's a superior launch. It's a matter of pit-stops - if you fuel a little longer, you can end up ahead of your rival even if you start behind him. This tactic was used by Raikkonen last week at Istanbul to pass Heidfeld, and was in turn used by Heidfeld to pass Alonso - the faster your car is, the longer you can fuel - and the easier it is to pass them in the pits.

BMW podium? Bold prediction. But you make a good case. Ironic, McLaren's suspension/tire gremlins... After years, last one in particular, of suspensions that were noted for being 'kind' to tires. I can't wait til FP1... As ever, I hope for Alonso. A BMW podium would liven things up nicely, a Renault podium would be even better.👍

McLaren were pretty radical this season in their attempts to beat, or at least equal, Ferrari's excellent aerodynamic efficiency. In a way, they succeeded - their car is said to be superior to the Ferrari, aerodynamically - but they lost some of their mechanical grip, which Ferrari was lacking last year, and regained. Also, the McLaren of last year wasn't that kind on it's tyres. It was the Ferraris that struggled to heat up their tyres properly for a single run in qualifying, and it was the McLarens who struggled with blistering and marbles more than Ferrari.

I didn't mean Mark Webber, he drives for Red Bull, a beverage conglomerate, which uses Renault engines. I doubt he'll ever see another podium... For Fernando Alonso, it's only a matter of time.

I can't help but think you missed a bit of sarcasm.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

McLaren were pretty radical this season in their attempts to beat, or at least equal, Ferrari's excellent aerodynamic efficiency. In a way, they succeeded - their car is said to be superior to the Ferrari, aerodynamically - but they lost some of their mechanical grip, which Ferrari was lacking last year, and regained. Also, the McLaren of last year wasn't that kind on it's tyres. It was the Ferraris that struggled to heat up their tyres properly for a single run in qualifying, and it was the McLarens who struggled with blistering and marbles more than Ferrari.

I think it was 2005 and 2006 that they were noted to be good on tires. I started watching in 2005, so I don't know if they were good previously. But 2007 was not a "gentle on tires" year for McLaren. 👍

 

[Bram Turismo]

I'm hoping for a Heikki win.

And I'll say amen to that 👍


I hope he gets rid of the bad luck this time, or no rim failures (or whatever it was), and at least score a decent podium, the chap more than deserves it 👍

 

[prisonermonkeys]

I didn't mean Mark Webber, he drives for Red Bull, a beverage conglomerate, which uses Renault engines. I doubt he'll ever see another podium... For Fernando Alonso, it's only a matter of time.

BMW are more likely to end up on the podium this weekend than Renault are. Hell, they way they're going, I can see Honda out-pacing Renault - or at least being competitive with them - in the near future. It's funny you should say Alonso will get a podium before Red Bull when Renault were the first to adopt Adrian Newey's shark fin design ...

 

[mustang245]

BMW are more likely to end up on the podium this weekend than Renault are. Hell, they way they're going, I can see Honda out-pacing Renault - or at least being competitive with them - in the near future. It's funny you should say Alonso will get a podium before Red Bull when Renault were the first to adopt Adrian Newey's shark fin design ...

*hehe* Good thing that's all Renault adopted from RBR.. Malaysia/DC/front suspension? All things being equal(which they're not) Alonso will make a podium visit before DC or MW. RBR needs to do a bit of housekeeping to reach podiums. They'll start with DC... STR as well, IMHO. Bourdais, meh, Vettel, too inexperienced and it shows. I'm not for green, baby-faced rookies entering the top-flight. Perhaps his highly inconsistent performances have something to do with BMW's releasing him to STR with little protest,eh? IMHO, STR/RBR will be the next teams to suffer Super Aguri's fate if they don't get with it. The rumours are swirling already.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Actually, I too think that an RBR podium is more likely than a Renault podium at the moment. In every race, RBR has been outpacing Renault, except for Barcelona. I can't see why RBR would be suffering the same faith as SA, they're scoring points nearly every race, and points = seat as a constructor in F1.

No offence, but you're being quite hard on RBR right now. A little bet, shall we? I say that Webber will finish, once again, ahead of Alonso in Monaco's race

 

[Only_in_f1]

I'll make a bold prediction, Mark Webber will win.

 

[Roo]

I'm not for green, baby-faced rookies entering the top-flight.

You're aware that when Alonso made his debut - for the same team Vettel is now driving for - he was younger than any of the current crop of drivers were when they made their debuts, right?

IMHO, STR/RBR will be the next teams to suffer Super Aguri's fate if they don't get with it. The rumours are swirling already.

With Mateschitz's money, RBR will be here for a while yet. STR are the most likely to fold of the current teams; they are currently up for sale.

 

[BB-ANDY-]

I think Heikki is going to win , I have a hunch

 

[Alex.]

I'll make a bold prediction, Mark Webber will win.

that's more hope than likelihood. But I also hope Webber or Alonso wins it'd be fantastic

 

[Stevisiov]

I'll make a bold prediction, Mark Webber will win.

Nah, I am fairly certain its going to be Ralf.

 

[mustang245]

Actually, I too think that an RBR podium is more likely than a Renault podium at the moment. In every race, RBR has been outpacing Renault, except for Barcelona. I can't see why RBR would be suffering the same faith as SA, they're scoring points nearly every race, and points = seat as a constructor in F1.

No offence, but you're being quite hard on RBR right now. A little bet, shall we? I say that Webber will finish, once again, ahead of Alonso in Monaco's race

No offence taken, my man. Please take note of the order in which I placed STR/RBR to 'fold'. It's my humble opinion, not fact. Roo, few owners got their money by throwing good money after bad. Time will tell, Toyota has taken a stance on mediocrity as well, issuing a rumored deadline... As far as Alonso's rise from Minardi, he's the real deal. It doesn't usually happen, and I fear started a trend to find the next prodigy. Moving on now, I wouldn't dare bet on this race, but my 'darkhorse' would be Jarno Trulli.

 

[JohnBM01]

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of my personal favorite race tracks. We have Long Beach in the States... and the city-state of Monaco has the lovely Monte Carlo street course. The track is narrow and unforgiving as well as slow. Only place to enjoy full speed is the tunnel. An underrated aspect about this course is that it's probably the shortest of all tracks on the F1 calendar. I'd imagine this would not be the kind of race track to be on if you were in, say... a stock car or one of those super trucks (those big rig racing trucks). Seems like you'll need some quicker acceleration and a good set of brakes. I normally don't equate any other motorsport to NASCAR, but I think Monaco is like F1's version of Martinsville... only slower. As much as most NASCAR types say F1 is the No Passing League, this is a venue that may prove them WHY it's the "no-passing league" to some race fans.

When not for racing, it's the high-dollar paradise that is really wonderful to see in pictures. I love Monte Carlo whether or racing or for the high-dollar paradise it is. I think this track truly rewards patience and sometimes even luck. I think once in 1996(?) here, as many as six drivers crossed the finish line. This is the track you want to win at to make a statement. However, it's not going to be easy (is anything ever easy in F1?). I remember having to do this track in Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec with the Toyota GT-One. It's tough to lay down quick laps on a track so twisty and narrow. Your punishment begins in the uphill Turn 1. I find Turns 5 through 8 to really slap you around. Enjoy full speed in the tunnel, but you'd better be ready to navigate the Turn 10 chicane as it can be easy to overshoot. Some Michael Schmacher haters would probably call Turn 16 as "Schumacher Corner" since it was where Schumi simply parked his car on the track during a practice or qualifying session. You need some good speed to power into Turn 18. I noticed how much Turns 13 through 16 have easier and smoother sections. I wonder if this will help improve speeds through this complex.

Should be a great race. I may have to wait until tape-delayed coverage since I'll be watching the Indy 500 that day.

 

[mustang245]

Rascasse? I thought it was Mirabeau... I could be mistaken. Anyhow, I remember that day well, John! T'was the day I shouted in rage at my television, and the day rivalry morphed into "hate"... Ah, those were fine days, Champions dueling so ferociously! Now it's like Kimi Raikonnen's personality has descended upon the sport. Nice post, too bad you'll choose indy over Formula One. Stay classy...👍

 

[Metar]

*hehe* Good thing that's all Renault adopted from RBR.. Malaysia/DC/front suspension? All things being equal(which they're not) Alonso will make a podium visit before DC or MW. RBR needs to do a bit of housekeeping to reach podiums. They'll start with DC... STR as well, IMHO. Bourdais, meh, Vettel, too inexperienced and it shows. I'm not for green, baby-faced rookies entering the top-flight. Perhaps his highly inconsistent performances have something to do with BMW's releasing him to STR with little protest,eh? IMHO, STR/RBR will be the next teams to suffer Super Aguri's fate if they don't get with it. The rumours are swirling already.

You appear to ignore a couple of facts:

A) Bourdais, at 28, is older than Alonso and Raikkonen - and has more street-racing experience than any other on the grid, with four Champcar championships to his name.
B) RBR have established themselves as a very good midfield challenger. The parent sponsors/owners don't lack money, and won't lack any as long as this planet maintains it's coffeine-addiction.
C) BMW didn't "effortlessly release him". In fact, they were very keen on keeping him.
D) Every team except for Ferrari, BMW and McLaren needs to "do housekeeping" to reach any podiums - and even the top three have to "keep a clean house" if they want to continue reaching podiums.

As far as Alonso's rise from Minardi, he's the real deal. It doesn't usually happen, and I fear started a trend to find the next prodigy.

As far as I know, every racer started his F1 career as a rookie. I don't see what's your problem with that? Alonso was a real gem - but who's to say Vettel won't be the next? Vettel, mind you, was the youngest-ever to score points, and on his debut. Sure, he mucked up on the first corner, but so did about seven others on that race. It didn't take him long to catch up with Liuzzi - and in the final races, he outpaced him.

An underrated aspect about this course is that it's probably the shortest of all tracks on the F1 calendar. I'd imagine this would not be the kind of race track to be on if you were in, say... a stock car or one of those super trucks (those big rig racing trucks). Seems like you'll need some quicker acceleration and a good set of brakes.

A big rig wouldn't even fit in the first place. I think even a stock car would have troubles navigating the tighter hairpins without some slide - or a three-point turn.

At Monaco, you need a good set of everything. The most downforce, highest stress on the engine, biggest cooling-vents, softest tyres.

I think once in 1996(?) here, as many as six drivers crossed the finish line.

It happened occasionally on other circuits. Heck, it happened this year at Australia...

And at Monaco, corners are usually called by names, not numbers.

Rascasse? I thought it was Mirabeau...

Nope, Rascasse.

 

[Alex.]

=F1.com
New Toro Rosso means Monaco gearbox penalty for Vettel

Sebastian Vettel will drop five places on the grid for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, thanks to Toro Rosso debuting their new car at the event. The STR3’s revised transmission design means Vettel must take the penalty for what is in effect an unscheduled gearbox change.

Under 2008 regulations, gearboxes must last for four consecutive events, meaning the German driver should have continued with the box he used at the previous round in Turkey. However, the design of the interim STR2’s transmission is incompatible with that of the new car.

Vettel’s team mate Sebastien Bourdais will escape sanction, however. The Frenchman failed to reach the finish in Istanbul Park, meaning he is free to start his first Monaco Grand Prix with a new gearbox.

Next unluckiest driver ever?

 

[mustang245]

@Metar- nice photo! Thanks for Rascasse clarrification...

 

[nissan tuner]

Should be a great race. I may have to wait until tape-delayed coverage since I'll be watching the Indy 500 that day.

live coverage and start of the 2008 Monaco GP is 4 hours before the Indianapolis 500 Pre-Race. the tape-delay would most likely run into the indy race

 

[Dougboy]

Next unluckiest driver ever?

Unluckiest driver ever.... until he swtiches to Ferrari, like a certain Finn

 

[CAMikaze]

Should be a great race. I may have to wait until tape-delayed coverage since I'll be watching the Indy 500 that day.

Or you can catch the race live at 6 am CDT if you want to.

I like the trophy presentation where the top 3 finishers get to stand on the steps to where the Royal Family of Monaco is watching the race to recieve their trophies and then take the celebrations/champagne fights to the streets. Sort of a throwback to Grand Prix racing traditions of years ago especially in the Golden Years of the sport.