The Monaco Grand Prix

From the hotel-sized yachts in the harbour to the celebrity-filled Casino, the Grand Prix in Monaco is more than a motor race – it’s a three day playboy paradise. The Monaco crown is still the most sought after in motor-racing circles, although today’s event is much a showcase for the richest men and women on the planet as it is for the drivers.

Set amongst the winding streets of the world’s second smallest and most densely populated principality, this is the most glamorous and high-profile date on the Formula One calendar. Attracting a global television audience of millions, the cars roar their around the city centre at four times the speed the streets were designed for. The circuit is blessed with some of the most historic and memorable corners in motor racing: St Devote, Mirabeau, La Rascasse, Casino and, of course, the Tunnel. Part of Monaco’s appeal is its renowned difficulty. Three-time Formula One World Champion Nelson Piquet once described the tackling the circuit as like, “riding a bicycle around your living room.”

Watching this gladiatorial spectacle around the Portier corner is particularly thrilling – one of the few possible, if unlikely, overtaking points on the course – seeing the cars’ flaming exhausts before they disappear into the Tunnel, the deafening roar of the engines echoing behind. But of the best and cheapest places to watch the race is the standing-only Secteur Rocher, a grassy area on a hill above the last corner – Rascasse – at the circuit’s western end, which offers fine views and attracts the most passionate F1 supporters. The cars look pretty small from up there, but watching them sweep past is incredible. And afterwards you can climb down for a stroll or drive around the circuit, which is reopened to traffic every evening: just don’t imagine you’re Michael Schumacher – the normal speed limit still applies.