10 Reasons why you'll enjoy the Monaco GP 2010

Monaco Grand Prix 2010 Preview

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most popular events on the F1 calendar and often produces exciting and unpredictable races. Here are ten reasons to look forward to the race on Sunday.

1. The Monaco Grand Prix is always very unpredictable - just see the ‘Monaco Madness’ article on the enterF1.com homepage!

2. The Red Bull team won’t be as quick in Monaco as they were in Spain. The circuit rewards cars with strong mechanical grip, as opposed to aerodynamic grip (Red Bull's strength) so it will be very close at the front. The characteristics of the Monte Carlo layout are unique so a number of teams believe this is a race they can win.

3. Monaco places a higher emphasis on driving skill than any other circuit. The winner will need to combine raw speed with concentration, precision, and even a little bravery, so having the fastest car is no guarantee of success. The very best drivers usually shine in Monaco regardless of their machinery so it will be an opportunity for some midfield runners to score an upset.

4. Felipe Massa is under pressure to perform after another mediocre race in Barcelona. The Brazilian claims the harder Bridgestone tyres do not suit his driving style so he will need to get the best out of the softer rubber being used this weekend.

5. The narrow streets of Monte Carlo punish the tiniest mistakes and it is a massive challenge for drivers to maintain their concentration for almost two hours. There are no large tarmac run off areas to forgive those who make an error so the race can change very quickly at any given moment.

6. Michael Schumacher is starting to recover his old form and will be in the hunt for a podium this weekend. Experience counts for a lot at Monaco and Schumacher has more of that than most. Bernie Ecclestone would love to see the valuable "Schumacher" and "Mercedes" brands in the headlines at F1's most popular event.

7. The Monaco Grand Prix is very long and very hard on tyres so strategy and pitstop timing will be crucial to a good result. There is a chance the racing will be more exciting in 2010 thanks to the new refuelling ban, and there is likely to be some variety amongst the team's strategies.

8. Seven drivers will be racing a Formula One car at Monaco for the first time this year. The circuit is very difficult to learn thanks to its many bumps, elevation changes, blind corners, and nearby barriers, and rookies often struggle with the challenge. It will be fascinating to see which of the 2010 newcomers makes the most of their Monaco weekend. Bruno Senna could end up punching above his weight having won a GP2 race at the circuit in 2008.

9. Qualifying will be incredible with 24 cars trying set a timed lap in the first 20 minute session. Traffic has always been a problem at Monaco but the larger field will cause an even greater bottleneck this year. There is a strong chance that a few big names will find themselves at the back of the grid having had their fast laps blocked.

10. If the race does become a little boring it’s possible to be entertained by the scenery! The sight of a Grand Prix car racing through the picturesque wealthy streets of Monte Carlo, and past the mega yachts in the harbour, is simply spectacular.

Posted by Martin Porter. - Follow him on twitter @mpondaweb.

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