The history of the Southern Circuit de Monaco, namely the Monte-Carlo circuit, is unusual. Technical sport has been developing in this seaside principality since the end of the 19th century. As early as 1880, a cycling association emerged. Then, with the development of automobiles, the association expanded its powers and in 1907 added the word auto to its name. Racing championships were held right in the streets of Monte-Carlo, but their status was still low, while the ruling house of the Principality of Monaco was struggling for respectability. In 1928, Prince Louis II supported the initiative of sports enthusiast Anthony Noghes and funded the Monaco Grand Prix. The city’s narrow roads were redesigned to accommodate the most powerful machines of the time. For greater solidity, only pilots who received a personal invitation from the prince could take part in the race. The first victory in Monte Carlo in 1929 was won by the British William Grover-Williams in a Bugatti Type 35B.
The track to this day almost unchanged. It also passes through a tunnel and a sea harbor, where high-speed sections, alternating “hairpin” and a series of mountain turns with altitude differences. In the harbor, the pilots risk flying into the water. It is not surprising that in the 20s Prince Louis II ordered to pay special attention to safety. Already in the 20s, the first bumpers appeared, but two pilots in the history of the Circuit de Monaco still swam in the harbor.
In general, despite the tortuosity and the abundance of blind spots, the circuit in Monte Carlo is considered one of the safest. Only two pilots died here during all the races.
This is due to the special attention paid to the construction of the sports facility and the strict compliance with the regulations of the Automobile Association. As a result, the Monaco Grand Prix has achieved a very special aristocratic status and become the crown jewel of F1 since its early years. Today, the Circuit de Monaco is on the calendar of nearly every prestigious championship, including Formula 1, GP2 and others.
