Without doubt the most famous grand prix track in the world, Monaco has been an institution both on the sporting and social calendars since its inception in 1929. The unique layout of the track means that it presents a special challenge to the drivers who generally either love it or loath it. The first world championship race in 1950 set the tone for the principality as a car breaker after 10 cars were eliminated in a first lap shunt.

Five years later Alberto Ascari made history by being the only driver to crash into the harbour. In 1961 Stirling Moss drove a superlative race to hold off the much more powerful Ferraris of Richie Ginther and Phil Hill to win in Rob Walker's privateer Lotus. In the Sixties Graham Hill became the master of Monaco when he took a total of five wins on the street circuit. His record was unsurpassed until 1993 when Ayrton Senna took his sixth win in seven years - an outstanding achievement. Recently Michael Schumacher has been the dominant force confirming Monaco as a venue that sorts out the great from the merely good.