Monaco Historic GP. Has anyone been?

[AllezWasps]

It runs two to three weeks before the F1 race every other year.

I am contemplating going next year but was wondering if anyone on here has been and whether or not it's worth the journey down. I would love to take one of the TVR's down but not sure what the position is re easy accessibility to the principality from a parking/ traffic jam perspective etc.

Can't help but think it might be easier to fly down to Nice and get myself a hire car for the weekend.

Any thoughts?

[johnnyreggae]

Brilliant gig - far better than the real thing - negligible admission charge but hotels still try to rip off - but less than for GP - no need for car - train or helicopter from Nice

[chevronb37]

A wonderful weekend. We did 2008 and organised by Grandstand Motorsports. Flew to Nice then transfer by minibus to Monaco and stayed in a hotel about 5 mins walk from Casino Square. The atmosphere all weekend is absolute magic with awesome cars everywhere the entire time. Probably one of the best weekends of motor racing I've ever done. I've got scores of pics but this was our view of race day from Tribune K at Tabac. Paul Edwards in the Penske PC3 pursues Mauro Pane in the Tyrrell P34. Edwards emerged victorious.

[marshalla]

Traffic's not a major problem and if you aim to hit town around 7 p.m. on the Thursday you'll be able to drive round most of the circuit as it re-opens to traffic for the night. Well worth being there on the Friday so you can stroll around the paddock and pits (not a lot to see in the Pits but they're decked out for F1) and chat to drivers and mechanics while getting close to some very nice old machines. Take a bag with some water & sandwiches for any days you're there though - catering prices are astronomical once you're inside the circuit.

[AllezWasps]

I was thinking of going down and arriving for the Thursday and then going home on the Monday.

I'm guessing it's far cheaper to stay in Nice than in Monaco itself. I presume it's a very regular and fairly cheap train service into Monaco?

As far as the racing is concerned, is it qualifying on the Friday and then a full race programme on the Saturday and Sunday?

[chevronb37]

The paddock on the quayside is one the best bits of the trip - it's spectacular. Friday there is no action on-track but the paddock is open and the whole place is swarming with amazing cars. Maserati MC12 parked outside the Casino? Done.

Saturday is practice day and we had demos from Jacky Ickx in an Auto Union (C-Type if I recall correctly) and from Ferrari's Cliente Corsa. Sunday is racing all day.

Couldn't comment on hotels but Grandstand are worth a call as they can do full packages for you in whatever format you like. I'm not usually one for endorsing companies online but I've done four foreign trips with them now and each one has been faultless to date.

Enjoy it!

[Jagmanv12]

I drove last year with Prestige Car Tours including the Route Napoleon on the way down. Friday you can walk the track, visit the paddock, etc. Secure parking was included as there were E type, Porsche, R8, XKR, etc in the group.

Flying is easier but then you don't get to enjoy those nice empty French roads!! Also posing in Casino Square is best done in something special instead of a hire car.

Next year it's Col de Turini on the way down and Route Napoleon on the way back.

[AllezWasps]

Thanks for the replies. I'll certainly consider Grandstand.

I am still tempted by the drive down so Prestige Tours is also a possibility....

Matt

[Steve620]

I have been down there a few times. If you stay in the port side of Nice you can walk to the train station and get a train right into the middle of Monaco for a few Euros. The trains are regular and parkin in Monaco is either expensive or a non starter.