For nearly 80 years now, the Monaco Grand Prix has challenged drivers to conquer the tight and twisty streets of a race track which winds its way through the second smallest nation on earth.
At just two square kilometres, and with the highest national population density in Europe, Monaco is already unique on the
Formula One calendar - but the fact that 350km/h cars still do battle on its streets in the 21st century remains the enduring fascination of the blue riband event.
For most of those involved in F1, Monaco is in equal parts a trial and a joy, with the tight confines challenging everyone in the paddock, but the history, glamour and unrivalled atmosphere providing an antidote to the problems.
"Monaco is one of the great races of the year, an icon in terms of F1,"
Toyota Racing team manager Richard Cregan claims, "A driver on a flying lap in Monaco earns his salary for the year right there. But you also have the great atmosphere of being in Monaco - the glitz and the glamour combined with F1 racing. You have an enthusiasm, a passion that you probably don't get at too many circuits in
F1."
Toyota driver
Jarno Trulli has that passion for racing, and some incredible memories of Monaco's legendary streets to go with it, having taken his one and only grand prix win there in 2004. Unable to match that superb performance from pole position in the years since, Monaco remains a special place for the Italian.
"My race win here was the perfect Monaco souvenir," he says, "I have a lot of fun in Monaco, it is a very different grand prix and I find it very exciting. There is more risk there and you need a good feeling with the car to succeed. It is difficult to explain why this race track is so special. The guard rail is very close and it seems very fast, it is a great challenge and you need total concentration. It is just a great circuit."
