The Monaco circuit is the shortest GP course of all at 3.340 kilometres. Nowhere else are more laps covered (78), yet the race distance of 260.520 kilometres is the shortest in the calendar. Monaco has hosted 52 grands prix since 1950. The circuit length varies from 3.145 km and 3.370 kilometres. For the first 14 GPs the race distance covered an impressive 100 laps. 27 drivers have made it into the winners' list so far. The most successful F1 driver in Monaco to date is Ayrton Senna, with six triumphs to his name.

It wasn't until 2004 that garages for the cars were installed along the pit lane in Monaco. Prior to that, the teams had to shunt the cars back and forth from the makeshift garages in the paddock and the pit lane between practice and qualifying sessions and then for the race. The old building essentially served as a shelter for the fuel rigs, spare parts and computer equipment. On Friday Monaco traditionally remains free of Formula One engine noise. That is why the first two practice sessions are held on Thursday.

The Monaco Grand Prix is also the party and glamour high spot of the Formula One season. Brazilian top model Alessandra Ambrosio will be among BMW's guests once again. She already drew attention to herself at the team presentation in Valenca in January when she posed in a catsuit sporting the team colours. Star photographer Michel Comte will be setting out with her and the team on the next round of shooting.

Covering an area of 1.95 square kilometres, Monaco is the smallest independent state in the world after Vatican City. It comprises the districts of Monte Carlo, La Condamine, Fontvieille, Le Larvotto, Les Moneghetti and Monaco Ville. This gambler's paradise and tax haven has a population of 32,400, of whom just 5,070 are true Monegasques. With around 17,000 people per square kilometre, Monaco is the most densely populated state in the world.