“There really isn't a race like this and I can't wait to go back this weekend. "On the Twitter account of Alpine F1, his team since this season, Fernando Alonso does not hide his desire to ride again on the track in Monaco. Twice winner (in 2006 and 2007) of the event, the double Spanish world champion returns to the most beautiful circuit in the world after two years of absence. He knows the task will be difficult against the drivers from Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and MacLaren, his main rivals. His 17th position on the starting grid after delicate qualifying bears witness to this.
Winning a Grand Prix is not trivial, even when your name is Lewis Hamilton and we are close to 100 victories (98 exactly).
Lifting the Monegasque trophy in the presence of the princely family is not either.
It is an honor for the difficulty of this unique race, which makes it the favorite of many drivers and motorsport lovers.
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Last Wednesday, Olivier Panis celebrated the 25th anniversary of the only success of his F1 career. This Sunday, May 19, 1996, the one who was riding in a Ligier then took advantage of the circumstances to achieve the race of his life. Starting from the back of the grid (14th), the boss of the Panis-Racing team, for a time associated with Fabien Barthez, was one of the only three drivers to pass in front of the checkered flag!
"Already twenty-five?"
Monaco has always been an atypical circuit, says the 54-year-old Rhone.
Its layout has hardly ever changed.
This is especially where things happen that we do not see elsewhere.
As it is a city circuit, I redid part of the route on foot with my wife and I could not help but have this reflection:
There, we go at 290 km / h, how can -we drive just as fast at this location!
"
Olivier Panis on May 19, 1996, during his victory at the Monaco Grand Prix.
AFP / Jean-Loup Gautreau
Everyone knows it, even if Olivier Panis has not confirmed the rule: the best placed at the start is the one who has the most chances of winning, as overtaking is so difficult in the narrow streets of the principality. “Some people like city circuits, others don't,” continues the former driver. For me, Hamilton
(3 wins)
is the strongest because he knows how to control everything 100%. Valtteri Bottas
(Editor's note: the Briton's teammate at Mercedes)
always goes very fast. Max Verstappen
(who has never made a podium in Monaco in five editions)
is very talented, but he still lacks the ability to handle everything in difficult times. "
And the French?
Twenty-five years ago, Olivier Panis made shine the blue tunic of his Ligier, one of the most legendary tricolor stables.
This year, the two Alpine, which sport the same azure color, are making progress at each Grand Prix, although this is not yet visible in the standings.
The team which succeeded and which belongs to Renault is 5th in the manufacturers' standings, behind Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari.
3 years later I'm back in these streets, and I've missed it 🔥😋!
# EO31 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/sZpuXJvaOC
- Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) May 20, 2021
“I find that for his return to F1, Alonso has made a good start to the season,” admits Panis. His experience is a real asset, I like him a lot because he never gives up. Esteban Ocon (9th with 10 pts) is a formidable teammate. He has changed the way he works. Being in front of Fernando means he's very good, and that can give him confidence in Monaco. Alonso's experience will bring him a lot and for me there is no hierarchy at Alpine. As for Pierre Gasly
(Editor's note: the pilot from Alpha Tauri is the first French winner since… Panis)
, he is for me one of the most talented on the field. He can also do well. ”The French will start in 6th position this Sunday.
Like many, Olivier Panis would be delighted to see a French car or driver win titles: “We all want to see them ahead. Honestly, given the last two Grands Prix, they are up to par. The cars are sublime and technologically very accomplished. It makes you want, but I'm too old! It would be perfect if all French people stick together to support them, like in MotoGP. We are all behind Quartararo and Zarco. There is no more chauvinist than me! "