The 2021 Historic Monaco Grand Prix sets the tone

Finally ! It took three years for the single-seaters of yesteryear to once again occupy the Principality. The Historic Monaco Grand Prix will take place from April 23 to 25, thus opening the season of automotive events on the Rock before the Electric Formula (May 8) and the F1 (May 20-23). A sort of miracle, given the avalanche of cancellations in recent months in France. A dreaded time, this scenario avoided Monaco, under certain conditions.

In 1 week, the engines of the most iconic F1 cars in the history of the Monaco Grand Prix will roar through the streets of the Principality / In 1 week, engines of the most iconic F1 cars in the history of the #MonacoGP will roar in the Principality streets

#GrandPrixMonacoHistory pic.twitter.com/hLolURlmpI

- Automobile Club MC (@ACM_Media) April 18, 2021

For example, the number of spectators will be limited to 6 people, or a third of the usual capacity, and the Friday tests will be held behind closed doors. Moreover, the event will only be open to residents, employees and guests of Monegasque hotels, and free on Saturday and Sunday. The Grand Prix will inevitably lose part of its popularity, but in this context, this is a lesser evil.

Also on the track, the seven proposed grids were affected by numerous defections. First announced at 170 competitors, the entry list shrank to 100 units due to travel restrictions for foreign pilots. If we can fear for the attractiveness of categories B (pre-1961) and D (1961 to 1965) with only 9 single-seaters each, the spectacle will be assured among the more modern F1s, with 20 F1s dating from the end of the years 1970.

It is in this field in particular that we will find the former driver Jean-Denis Delétraz or the instigator of the Racing Team Nederland team in Endurance, Frits Van Eerd. The headliners will however be in the F field with Jean Alesi and Rene Arnoux, aligned with Ferrari 312 B3 from 1974, facing the three-time winner of 24 Hours of Le Mans, Marco Werner (Lotus 77 from 1976).

The Historic Monaco Grand Prix will be accompanied by an auction under the auspices of Bonhams, alongside free practice on April 23. Several cars stand out among the 32 lots on offer, starting with the magnificent Delayahe 135 S from 1936. Valued between 850 and 000 million euros, it took part in the 1,1 24 Hours of Le Mans (abandoned) and was recently restored.

The very first Ferrari 550 Maranello modified (with the agreement of the parent company) for racing is also for sale for 500-700 euros. This is the GTLM Compétition Coupé, driven by Alain Ferté-Ange Barde-Gaël Lesoudier in 000 (retirement at the 2003st hour).