Monaco a hard taskmaster

Racing at Monaco has been compared to 'flying a helicopter around your living room', a quote attributed to various people, but it gives a pretty good idea of the complexities involved. Monte Carlo's street circuit is certainly a challenge for the drivers and all too often we've seen cars and barriers become closely associated. It's perhaps difficult to imagine Michael Schumacher finding any track a problem, but even the Ferrari champion has to work hard at Monaco.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"It's true, Monte Carlo is far from ordinary; it's a classic and a difficult one at that, even if it may not seem like it," said Schumacher. "If you fly down such narrow city streets at these speeds you really have to concentrate. It is a circuit that does not pardon errors."

"You need to be precise and have a good feel for the car. The difficulties of the track are unusual in F1, as are the road signs for everyday traffic. All these things make it a hard task for the driver."

Monaco previously had very cramped quarters for F1 to work in and the majority of people had to commute back and forth from a car park up the hill. For 2004 the pit facilities have been upgraded and Schumacher is pleased especially in regard to the safety aspect. "Naturally I am happy about the pit lane being widened, making it safer for us drivers," he commented. "I am also pleased that it will give the mechanics more room to work in."

The meeting of Formula One and Monaco is one of the most glamorous events of the year and Schumacher agrees it's a race that stands out from the rest. "The Monaco GP is always different. The anticipation is always a little greater than for the other races," he said. "Monaco is a fascinating affair and is the highlight of the season. With our car we should enjoy the day -- and I am really pleased about that."