Monaco.

[cider_and_toast]

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to be in Monaco thanks to work, just a few weeks before the Grandprix.

I took these pictures after walking the circuit with a few friends.

You don't realise just how steep the climb from St Devote up to Casino square is until you actually see it in person.

And the drop from the Hairpin.

On a normal day if you come screaming out of the tunnel instead of a chicane, you will smash headlong into this ice cream shop.

Not your average race day parking

The press boxes over look the pits but they can't see the start/finish line and the grid because it's on the other side of the pit buildings. It's a fair old jog for Brundle after his grid walk.

Turn right for the pit lane entry or, if you see the gap between the two red cones in the centre left of the picture, that marks the final turn before the start/finish line.

And finally, where you really want to be standing after the race. (paint job not yet finished!!)

 

[Brogan]

Nice one c_a_t.

It's when you see images like this that you appreciate just how much work goes into getting the circuit ready for an F1 weekend.

 

[GeoffP]

Great photos, but does beg the question, having never been there, other than the racing link/addiction, does Monaco have much going for it outside the race weekend other than as a tax haven and posh casino land?

 

[cider_and_toast]

Great photos, but does beg the question, having never been there, other than the racing link/addiction, does Monaco have much going for it outside the race weekend other than as a tax haven and posh casino land?

The short answer is "Not really" Geoff. There are parts of the old town on the hill above the circuit which are nice. The Royal Palace is up there and there are some narrow streets with little cafes and shops. The main city of Monaco itself is a rather dull and un-attractive place with fairly ugly post war buildings and blocks of flats. It's not as expensive as you may think in most places. It's only really at the posh end where they see you coming with "Cha-Ching" sounds and Euro signs in their eyes. If you get the urge for a Monaco automobile club T-Shirt from their official shop for example, you will be parting with the best part of 100 Euros. Further into town there are standard shops selling the usual bits and bobs at normal prices. The offical round neck t-shirt with that years Monaco GP poster printed on the front was about 20 Euros, which isn't too bad I suppose.

As for the usual currency converstion standard. A pint was between 3 and 4 quid depending on weather you had local or export beer. There were some great resturants at pretty reasonable prices as well.

 

[GeoffP]

I guess it was an odd question - It didn't matter what the answer was as it's still going to be an aim to go there at some point simply because of the racing history - Prince Rainier (or however it's spelt) wasn't so daft really!

Good thing is that us ordinary dumb slobs could afford to stop in Monaco long enough for a bite to eat, but I think I'll give that Automobile Club shirt a miss!