After the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was called off as a result of the horrific flooding that struck the region after sustained rain in May, everyone in the Formula 1 paddock could be forgiven for hoping for a dry weekend in Monaco.
There is a slight chance of rain affecting each of the three days of running this weekend – however, the risk appears at this early stage to be about as great as they faced during the last round of the championship in Miami.
With no more running on Thursdays, as had been tradition for decades, drivers will get to sample the notoriously tight and twisty street circuit for the first time on Friday. The weather is expected to be partially cloudy with temperatures in the low 20s for both practice sessions. Friday also offers the highest risk of rain over the weekend, with a 40% chance of showers at some point during the day.
On Saturday, conditions are expected to remain largely the same, with a reduced chance of rain possibly hitting the principality in the afternoon, when the most crucial qualifying session of the season will take place.
Race day on Sunday is expected to be the warmest of the three days of track action, but there still remains a small 20% chance of rain affecting the race that cannot be fully dismissed. A similar risk was expected at the Miami Grand Prix earlier in the month, but drivers avoided any rain during any of the sessions in Florida.
This was one of few races last year to begin in wet conditions after a rain shower moments before the scheduled start time. The start was delayed as a result, partly because the race director was concerned no running had taken place in wet conditions earlier in the weekend. A subsequent heavier downpour then caused further disruption.
The race eventually began behind the Safety Car and the Monte Carlo streets dried out over time, allowing Sergio Perez to jump to the lead of the race through the pit cycle.
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