The Monaco Grand Prix (Grand Prix de
Monaco) is a Formula One race held on the streets of the Principality
of Monaco. Run annually since 1929, it is widely considered to
be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races
in the world alongside the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and 24 Hours
of Le Mans. Its history, the spectacle of the event, and the glamour
associated with it result in the race being considered the jewel
of the Formula One crown.
The Monaco Grand Prix predates the organised World Championships;
the Principality's first Grand Prix race was organised in 1929
by Antony Noghes, under the auspices of Prince Louis II through
the "Automobile Club de Monaco" (A.C.M.). That first
race was won by William Grover-Williams (a.k.a. "Williams")
driving a Bugatti. The event was part of the pre-Second World
War European Championship and was included in the first Formula
One World Championship in 1950. The race is held on a narrow course
laid out in the streets of Monaco, whose many elevation changes
and tight corners make it one of the most demanding tracks in
Formula One. On the race weekend divers are employed to rescue
any drivers who happen to crash into the harbour.
Brazil's Ayrton Senna has won the most Grands Prix here, taking
six victories, five consecutive from 1989 to 1993, earning him
the title "Master of Monaco". However it is Graham Hill,
a 5-time winner of the race, who is known as the "King of
Monaco" predating Senna.
