Why F1 expects the 2018 Monaco GP to be a record-breaker

Why F1 expects the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix to be a record-breaker

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Thursday 29 March 2018 13:47

Formula 1 are hoping Pirelli's new hypersoft compound tyres will lead to a record-breaking weekend in Monaco this year. The technical regulations of 2017 helped Kimi Raikkonen set a new quickest lap time around the streets of Monte Carlo, but that benchmark could be at risk again.

Hypersoft tyres will be seen for the first time in 2018 at the Canadian Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton's pole record set last year could also be under threat.

But Pirelli are talking up the chances of seeing the Monaco pole record tumble, Raikkonen set a scorching time of one minute 12.178 seconds last year, but could not convert it into a race victory as Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel pipped him.

Constructors' champions Mercedes struggled badly at Monaco last year, so eyes could be on the Scuderia or Red Bull to smash through the record again - although the Silver Arrows' 'party mode' might have something to say about it.

"Monaco is a lot about mechanical grip so a softer tyre will give a big advantage in terms of lap time," Pirelli racing manager Mario Isola told F1's official website.

"I have a good expectation that we will have a lap record."

If you need a hand getting your head around the SEVEN slick compounds available this year, click here.

And if you want to take a trip around Monaco in record-breaking time, Raikkonen's lap from last year is below!