F1 review: Monaco Grand Prix 2010

The Monaco Grand Prix is arguably the most glamorous and famous race of the season. Winning is seen by the drivers as only a close second to the World Championship itself. This stunning street circuit is certainly a highlight of the Formula One calendar, but will the race live up to the hype?

With Webber on pole for the second race in succession, he maintains Red Bull’s impressive qualifying so far this season, as he attempts to mirror his performance in Spain last week by leading from start to finish.

Red Bull gives you wings
The Red Bulls have a great start as Webber surges on while team mate Vettel takes second immediately, as they threaten a Red Bull one-two. Barrichello also has a positive start, but all this is in vain as the safety car is deployed for an incident involving the Williams of Hulkenberg. Suddenly smoke starts to pour out of Jenson Button’s McLaren and the British driver is out of the race. A disappointed Button rues the introduction of the safety car, which may have contributed to an over-cooked engine.

We get to lap seven and the safety car comes in and we’re off again. All the cars are bunched up. Take two…

Flying Spaniard
Only one driver really makes the most of the hold up. Alonso starts to make his way through the field and actually begins to pose a threat. The other drivers obviously become aware of this, which is demonstrated in Hamilton’s bold, early pit stop.

The last car to stop for fresh tyres is the Mercedes of Rosberg who may rue this strategy as he comes out behind a group of cars, and more annoyingly for the German, his team mate, Schumacher.

Safety first
More unwelcome drama as the safety car comes out again. This time is for Rubens Barrichello who ends up facing the wrong way after crashing into the barrier. All Webber’s hard work is undone in an instance, as the cars bunch up yet again. Take three…

The impressive Alonso is up a massive 18 places in 7th and is hunting down the remaining McLaren of Hamilton. Apart from the Ferrari, not much overtaking is going on.

For the third time, the safety car is out again and this time it is a loose drain which is to blame. We’re getting it all today. Cars bunch up. It’s back to square one and take four. Still no overtaking as the drivers appear to be concentrating on maintaining their own cars rather than progression in the race.

Over the top
Suddenly there is some drama, but it is as the back of the pack. Trulli literally drives over the top of Chandhok’s car in a potentially horrendous incident. It looks even worse in slow motion. Unsurprisingly, the safety car is deployed for the fourth time and it looks like that is it for the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix.

Webber wins well
Webber wins as the safety car darts off the track at the final bend. Again it is a dominant display from start to finish for the Australian and Vettel makes it a Red Bull one-two, with the Renault of Kubica completing the podium. Massa, Hamilton came in fourth and fifth respectively, while Michael Schumacher was penalised for overtaking Alonso while the safety car was out and dropped down to twelfth. Alonso must be pleased with his sixth place, especially as he start the race in pit lane.

Even with the safety car coming out four times, there was very little drama and with the exception of Alonso, virtually no overtaking. Stunning track. Beautiful scenery. Classy event. Unfortunately nothing exciting to report. Rather apt that the race finished with the safety car out in front.

It is back to back victories for Mark Webber and the Australian now leads the Championship on goal difference (having won two races). Let’s hope for more excitement, less safety cars and a more open race in two weeks time.

Next stop…Turkey.

Watch the race highlights here.