F1 revs up for Monaco Grand Prix

The Formula 1 circus hits the Riviera this weekend for the most glamorous event in the sport's calendar - the Monaco Grand Prix. If one event symbolises the glitz and the glamour of the F1 circuit then this is it.

And with the Cannes Film Festival going on just down the road the south of France is, for this weekend at least, surely the coolest place on the planet.

But it is not just about expensive yachts and parties - the Monaco Grand Prix presents the drivers with their sternest test as they hurtle round the 2.1mile route which meanders through the streets of the Principality for the best part of two hours.

Murray Walker, for so many years the voice of Formula 1, and who was just five years old when the first race was held there in 1929, believes it to be the most demanding race of the season and the one that requires the most precision on the drivers' part.

The late Ayrton Senna won the event an astonishing six times, testament to his abilities, and last year Lewis Hamilton laid down a marker of his potential by roaring to a magnificent win, before declaring Monaco to be his favourite circuit. The year before he had come an impressive second behind teammate Fernando Alonso (pictured).

However, for all his brilliance and an impressive performance in testing on Friday, when he posted the second fastest lap of the day, Hamilton's chances look slim this year - for all his ability behind the wheel and the bullish noises emanating from the McLaren camp, his car still does not have what it takes to mount a challenge on such a tricky circuit where overtaking is so difficult.

In testing on Friday the Williams of Nico Rosberg set the day's fastest lap in the second practice session after Brawn's Rubens Barrichello, many people's tip to win on Sunday, went quickest in the first.

All 10 teams have made adjustments to their cars for the race, testament not just to the fact that most teams have been caught on the hop by this season's new regulations and the diffuser row but also the unique conditions at Monaco.

The biggest alteration has come from Red Bull, who are running with a new 'double' diffuser, while championship leaders Brawn have unveiled a new rear wing configuration, changes to the car's suspension and have a reconfigured chassis to suit the tight, twisty track. ·