Monaco Grand Prix: An engine’s perspective

“Monaco is arguably the circuit which generates the most superlatives of the season; it is the shortest lap of any circuit on the calendar and the shortest race distance of the year, the race has the highest number of laps but the slowest average speed. It is also widely recognised as the most challenging race of the season from a driver’s point of view.

A maximum downforce circuit, it is not one of the toughest tracks on the calendar in terms of outright engine power – with just half the lap spent at full throttle - but it is still a rigorous test of an engine’s performance. The lack of any long straights and the number of low speed corners means that cooling becomes a critical issue. The engine homologation regulations prevent the addition of any special engine cooling devices for this race, so cool or wet weather conditions would be welcome to prevent the engine overheating.

Drivers need to find a good rhythm to put a good lap time together, which requires good driveability from the engine, good traction through the slow corners and quick acceleration in the low speed gear range. While Monaco often allows drivers to shine, the finer points of engine performance can make a noticeable difference to the lap time, and when overtaking is so tough, a good qualifying time will be crucial. There is also the added pressure of being a street circuit; the bumpy nature of the track puts all elements from the driver, car and engine under added pressure which can certainly take its toll over 78 gruelling laps.”