Pull Up The Yacht, Let's Talk Monaco Grand Prix

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Behind the glitz and the glamour of Monaco there's a Grand Prix to be raced this weekend.

So without further ado, let's have a look at what to expect.

VETTEL versus HAMILTON


This is one rivalry that gets more and more enticing as the season wears on.

The prospect of a wheel-to-wheel fight on city streets by the 2 top drivers will go down like a sweet Monaco cocktail with just about every Formula 1 fan.

If it's anything like last years's Hamilton-Ricciardo battle, strap us in!


FERRARI HUSTLES

For all its dominance of the past decade or so, it's surprising to learn Monaco isn't one of the Prancing Horse's strongest tracks.

The last time they won here was when Michael Schumacher bounced to the top steps in 2001.

So with Sebastian Vettel leading the way in the drivers standings, this weekend might be Ferrari's best chance of shattering the hoodoo.

OH HI THERE JENSON

Felipe Massa and Jenson Button both retired at the end of the 2016 season.

One came back, the other didn't - until now.

The Brit's been enjoying his retirement in America with his girlfriend and spending plenty of time on the triathlon circuit.

But Fernando Alonso's surprise tilt at the Indy 500 (and the date clash) opened up a seat for Button.

Ironically Monaco might present McLaren with their best chance yet to bag some points this season.


WIDE LOADS

New rules mean bulkier and wider cars will take to a track where there's already not much margin for error.

“It’s always tight around this track even now I think because it’s 20cm wider, the car.," said Daniel Ricciardo.

"It doesn’t sound much but when you put all the cars together and on a tight circuit you see it and notice it more.

“So qualify well! It’s going to help.”

Wise words Dan.

Monte Carlo will be as unforgiving (and entertaining) as ever.


MIDFIELD SCRAPS

On a street circuit where the opportunities to pass are as about as rare as Kimi Raikkonen going on a speaking tour, the midfielders should expect a quiet weekend.

Or should they?

There's little separating the likes of Force India, Williams, Toro Rosso, Haas and Renault.

Pit strategies and crashes could turn things on their head and open the door for some of these guys to shine.

STATS, STATS...

Track: Circuit de Monaco
Corners: 19
Lap Record: Lewis Hamilton 1:17.939 (2016)
2016 Winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2016 Pole Position: Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) 1:13.622

Practice resumes tomorrow night at 19:00 (AEST) on Fox Sports before Qualifying at 22:00 (AEST) on Fox Sports.

The lights go green on the race at 22:00 (AEST) on Sunday night on ONE and Fox Sports.

10 December 2018




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