The Monaco Grand Prix brings the wealthiest people from all over the world together. It is set in the luxurious streets of Monte Carlo, and is one of the most traditional races on the calendar. This is where F1 cars drive through the narrow streets at speeds approaching 200mph.

The circuit winds its way through the streets, from Ste devote, it goes uphill to Casino square, then plunges back down to Mirabeau before heading into the Loews hairpin. The tunnel that leads to the harbour-side chicane echoes with the roar of the engines. This is one track however where overtaking is virtually impossible.

The first race was run in 1929, and in 1950, it was second on the calendar, when ten cars collided in a spectacular first lap accident, and Fangio raced on for the win. This track has so much history, it's hard to compress it in a few short sentences, but it goes without saying that this circuit is one that remains a favourite in many fans hearts, for many different reasons. It is a circuit based more ondriver skill than the speed of the car.

Stirling Moss won in 1956, but in '57, he was involved in an accident at the chicane, and handed victory to Fangio. Moss was the main pace setter in this era, and his most memorable victory was in 1961 when he expertly held off both Ferraris.

Often referred to as the jewel in the Formula One crown, this track is renowned for bringing driver talent to the fore. The tight, tortuous confines of Monaco will see the teams getting inventive with their aerodynamics. With the lowest speeds on the calendar, drag is not a factor, so teams work on ensuring every last bit of downforce is leveraged from the package. That said the aero benefits are only a minor addition to mechanical grip and balance.

Monaco is the slowest, tightest circuit on the calendar. There is almost no run-off space anywhere, so driver error inevitably results in barrier contact - and typically the end of the race. The circuit is cambered off the centre, like other normal streets, resulting in unusual racing lines, whilst painted lines and manhole covers are a particular menace in the wet. Inevitably, mistakes happen and cars end up in contact with the barriers, so some teams use specially toughened suspension components, and some bring additional spare chassis, in case both drivers have accidents in testing. Ride heights have to be high in order to accommodate the road surface, and though engines are barely stressed, gearboxes will to be put through the mill.

Qualifying is the big unknown. The grip levels improve so dramatically though sessions that early laps are unlikely to suffice, so traffic at the end of the session will be intense. With so many cars on track, there will be a significant premium on finding a clear lap at the end of each of the three sessions in order to make it to the front of the grid; inevitably, there will be some upsets as faster cars discover others on in or out laps.

On the positive side, this should allow teams and drivers with vision, but perhaps not the best equipment, to punch above their weight – and perhaps capitalise with a point.

Although the race itself tends to be processional, strategy can make an impact, particularly for drivers who find themselves out of position after making a hash in qualifying. Expect little overtaking on the track, but if there is any, it should be memorable.