The 14th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique promises, like all of previous editions since 1997, to delight fans of racing cars from another era throughout the weekend. We had to wait two years, since 2022, to witness, once again, a superb retrospective of motor racing in the 20th century. The wait is about to be rewarded, with the added bonus of a special parade illustrating the late Ayrton Senna’s ascent to the pinnacle of motor sport, 30 years ago…

Since 1997, when the Grimaldi family decided to celebrate 700 years of reign by creating a unique event, it has been a must for motorsport enthusiasts and lovers of a certain art of living. It’s all about the beautiful machines that have written the legend of motor sport. So once again, from Friday to Sunday, thousands of spectators of all ages will be able to admire myriads of Ferraris, Maseratis and Lotuses, among other prestigious makes, driven in race conditions by men who, for some, have actively participated in the writing of several chapters of a never-ending book.

Over 200 racing cars of all engine sizes, including a majority of F1s, divided into 8 series corresponding to their period of existence in competition, will take to the track of the Monegasque circuit. They will be taking corners on a narrow track right in the middle of the city, roaring their engines to full power, in a popular fervour facilitated by direct access to the paddock and the actors of this breathtaking spectacle.

From the pre-war years to the 80s, dozens of makes will be represented, some of which have now disappeared, and there will be something for everyone. As Géry Mestre, President of the Automobile Club de Monaco’s (ACM) Collector Car Commission, explains so well, the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique is attracting more and more people, and the public is both younger and more feminine. At the wheel are semi-professional drivers and well-informed collectors with a staff of engineers and mechanics.

Previous editions have included Mika Häkkinen, Jean Alesi and René Arnoux, among others. The line-up for this 14th edition is particularly impressive: Adrian Newey, the famous engineer from Red Bull Racing, will be driving a 1968 Lotus, and Zak Brown, the head of McLaren F1, who has just triumphed in Miami, will be competing in a 1980 Williams FW07, alongside Wayne Taylor, the excellent American driver, in a 1977 Wolf. There will also be Soheil Ayari, in a Ligier, and a certain Ken Tyrrell, the perfect namesake of Uncle Ken, who has given many French drivers their first chance in Formula 1.

Once again, it’s going to be a festival of beautiful machines in perfect condition, to the delight of both eyes and ears. Enjoy it in the sunshine, armed with a fully-charged smartphone, so that you don’t miss a thing and you can take home some great memories…