The most famous motor-racing event of all will take place on May 27th 2007. Can anyone take Fernando Alonso's crown on the streets of the world's 2nd smallest country?

The Monaco Formula One Grand Prix is arguably the world’s biggest, most famous and most glamorous motor racing event. In 2006 Fernando Alonso won it for Renault, but who will win it this May? Here are some facts, statistics historic trivia and travel information.

What is the Monaco Grand Prix?

The others can argue, but no other Formula One motor race can come close to Monaco’s annual event in which the streets of the world’s second smallest country are given over to the likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Toyota’s finest speed machines.

Monaco is already the most densely-populated country in the world (and has the shortest coastline in the world if you’re really being a statistics geek), but on the Sunday of the Grand Prix it becomes even more crammed.

For the racing purist, this is the biggie, as the Monaco circuit is notoriously tricky for the drivers. The experience for those in the cockpit was once described as like “riding a bike round your living room”. It’s also much-loved because it’s not a soulless, specially designed circuit like some on the F1 calendar – it goes through the same streets that the normal traffic goes through, albeit not quite adhering to lane etiquette and pedestrian crossings quite as strictly.

But it’s not all for the aficionados. The Grand Prix is also a chance for those dripping in wealth to show it off as ostentatiously as possible – expect the harbour to be full of incredibly expensive boats and the casino to be jammed with high-rollers once the spraying of the champagne on the podium is over. This year’s event takes place on

Monaco Grand Prix trivia

• Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna holds the record for most wins on the circuit, winning six times in total and every title from 1989 to 1993.
• Each lap is 2.08 miles (3.37km) long.
• The first generally recognised Grand Prix to be held in Monaco was in 1929, and William Grover Williams won in a Bugatti.

Travel tips

• Monaco is highly expensive – all those yachts aren’t moored outside by accident, you know. Accommodation, especially at Grand Prix time, can be pricy and hard to find, so you’re probably better off staying over the border in France. The city of Nice is probably the best bet.
• The nearest airport is also in Nice, a fifteen minute train ride away from the principality.
• The best viewing positions either require plenty of cash or an early start. Grandstands are erected along the course on the day, but the best vantage points fill up quickly. The cheapest tickets can be found on a grassy hill called Secteur Rocher next to the last-but-one corner (Virage de la Rascasse).

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