Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco’s favorable Mediterranean climate seems to have taken leave for today’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, with predictions of rain looking to dull the day’s racing. A lovely high of 77 degrees is forecast, with only a very mild easterly wind of 7 mph, but the rainfall radar for Europe shows some cloud scatter nearby.
Also expected to dull today’s race is the sanctioning of McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton who had his best Q3 time deleted by race stewards for jumping a chicane during yesterday’s qualifying. Hamilton had only managed to secure seventh on the grid for the Monaco Grand Prix though he is now expected to drop down to ninth position.
This will give champion leader Sebastian Vettel a clear chance to extend his lead over his nearest rival as the Red Bull Driver is starting from pole position today after posting the fastest qualifying time. McLaren may still be able to take top honors as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, Jenson Button, will start from second spot.
Vettel’s teammate and winner of last year’s Monaco Grand Prix, Mark Webber, meanwhile, will start at third position.
Sauber’s Sergio Perez will miss today’s race due to his dramatic crash yesterday during qualifying. The Mexican rookie remains under observation in the nearby Princess Grace Hospital.
Going into today’s race, Sebastian Vettel leads the 2011 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship with 118 points, followed by Lewis Hamilton on 77 points and Mark Webber on 67 points. As for the Constructors’ Championship, topping the field is of course Red Bull Racing on 185 points, followed by McLaren on 138 points and Ferrari on 75 points.
Stay tuned for our full race recap of the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix tomorrow.
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