As spring approaches, in keeping with tradition in the Principality, preparations for upcoming motorsport events are gathering pace. Three international events will set the rhythm over the coming weeks, making this the perfect opportunity for the volunteers of the Automobile Club de Monaco’s Marshals’ Corps to prepare and ensure they are fully ready for race day. Here’s a closer look.

Over the weekend of March 21 and 22, the Fontvieille Big Top hosted 600 volunteers from the Marshals’ Corps, who gathered to learn and refresh the essential skills required for their respective duties. The Training and Refresher Camp for this emblematic body of the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) has been a key event since 1972. Initiated by ACM President Michel Boeri, this program allows marshals to come together and test themselves through several practical workshops: first aid, intervention, video posts, barrier + jack handling, electrical risks, the timed “Gazelle” course, flag signalling, fire response, and more. A comprehensive program designed to assess reflexes, physical abilities, reasoning skills, and team cohesion.

This year, under the supervision of around one hundred instructors, nearly 500 volunteers were assessed, including 49 new candidates selected from over 90 applications.

Ever more realistic simulations

« The main objective is to simulate the conditions marshals may face during a race. There is no room for error on race day. That is why this training is essential every year to ensure we are fully prepared when the time comes », explains Christophe Fabri, Head of the Training program.

During the workshops, marshals are faced with exercises requiring them to evacuate a vehicle under various scenarios, such as impact with a barrier, oil leaks, or fire outbreaks. They are supported throughout by the Monaco Fire Brigade, which once again oversaw the fire risk workshop. Firefighters trained marshals in the use of extinguishers, casualty evacuation, and safely crossing barriers. The Monaco Red Cross also conducted first aid training sessions.

Another highlight is a workshop where volunteers’ actions are closely analyzed by… artificial intelligence. This technology enables real-time assessment of gestures, decisions, and reactions during vehicle evacuation simulations. Developed by the Marshals’ Corps, this system is now in its third year and has been upgraded with new aerodynamic elements to better replicate the carbon details of Formula 1 and Formula E single-seaters.

And now, on to the track!

The next milestones are already approaching: the General Meeting on April 6 at the Grimaldi Forum, equipment distribution on April 17 and 18, before seeing the marshals in action at the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique (April 24–26), the Monaco E-Prix (May 16–17), and the highly anticipated Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco 2026 (June 4–7).