THE Monaco Grand Prix is the jewel in the Formula One calendar. Such is its stature, It is widely known as the race that every driver wants to win, and is also part of the legendary triple crown of motorsport along with the Indianapolis 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This year, the principality will be celebrating 97 years since the first time competitive action dawned on the Circuit De Monaco, which took place on April 14th 1929.
Taking place during the inter-war period, Monaco was looking to establish itself as a glamorous international destination.
At the time, racing on street circuits, especially with no barriers on the track, or seatbelts or limited braking power in the cars, was seen as innovative but highly risky.
The rules and regulations, or lack thereof on that day, are unrecognisable from what’s seen in today’s Formula One.
Organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco, it was they who decided that those taking part would be specifically invited to take part rather than have to qualify.
The individual creator of the event, was Antony Noghès, the name which is now beared on the final corner of the track before the finish line.
The vast majority of entrants were also privateer teams, which means to be independent, rather than being a factory. In modern terms, Williams and McLaren started off as privateers, whereas Ferrari is a factory team.
There were pretty much no regulations, the race may have been run under Formula Libre rules, but that allowed for different designs and engine sizes to compete against one another, not like the specific limit put on F1 cars today.
There was no qualifying, instead, starting positions were decided by a ballot.
At the end of the 100 lap, 198 mile race, it was ironically someone with the surname Williams who took the win, being William Grover-Williams in a Bugatti.
