Formula 1 sporting manager Ross Brawn says Monaco is in a world of its own, insisting the legendary street circuit and its natural limitations should not be compared to other F1 venues.
Last Sunday's race in the glitzy Principality was picked apart by several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen who described their afternoon of racing as one of the most dull and boring ever.
A big fan of the glamorous and unique event, Hamilton suggested changes to the race's format were perhaps in order to spice up the on-track action.
Brawn believes however that the event should be set apart from others, insisting Monaco's most thrilling action rarely takes place on Sunday.
"I've heard and read a number of comments from drivers and F1 people saying the race was boring and it's true that it wasn't action-packed, all the more so as the tyres were the key factor," Brawn said
"However, it's a bit naïve to expect lots of duels and passing moves in Monaco!
"That's in contrast to the unique spectacle of Saturday's qualifying, as this is the only place one can get so close to the action as the 20 drivers brush the barriers (sometimes clipping them) at speeds that are just unthinkable for mere mortals: maybe we don't give enough credit to these guys who can lap the 3,337 metre track in around 71 seconds."
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As he works to craft the Formula 1 of the future, Brawn underscores the importance of racing at venues that offer the potential for exciting track action. However, Monaco, and its unique blend of prestige and glamour, will remain an exception to that rule.
"Monaco is such a special race that it should not be judged by the same criteria as the others," said the British engineer.
"The atmosphere in the paddock and the town, the glamour that surrounds the event makes it unique.
"Having said that, one of the aims we have set ourselves for the Formula One of the future is to work together with the promoters and all stakeholders to ensure the new circuits provide more overtaking opportunities and that current ones are improved," he added.
"Naturally, the opinion of the drivers is welcome and our door is always open. However, in Monaco you'd need to reclaim land from the sea to do something and that's definitely not up to us!"
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