I’ve just come back from a great weekend taking pictures at the Monaco Historics Grand Prix.This is held every two years a couple of weeks before the modern GP and is one of the highlights of the classic racing season.
I’ve covered the event every year since it’s inception and each time I go I learn more about the circuit and find new places to shoot.So I thought I’d offer my best half a dozen places to photograph action at one of the most exciting race tracks in the world.
It is a confusing place to work however with access to the best track-side locations via a series of tunnels, secret stair-ways and lifts within the cliffs of the ancient principality .
I’ve numbered the turns on this lovely old map of the circuit so you can see where each image is taken.Most of these places are only accessible if you have a track-side tabard after signing on with the Automobile Club de Monaco.
This is one of the best paces to shoot the start St Devote, turn 1 accessed via a tunnel under the track and a guarded stairway.70-300mm f5.6 1/640th second
Crossing back under the track this great head on shot at Turn 7 is looking down the straight due south towards the sea, the harbour is immediately on the right. 300mm f4.5 1/800th second
Walking back down the pit lane and down the stairs to the second set of swimming pool curves this shot needs you to keep your nerve as the cars thunder past a few feet away.A high shutter speed is needed and a short pan. 70mm f5.6 1/000th second.
Turn 9 is in the background of this shot with photographers visible but there’s another good shot in this complex by turning around and photographing at the second corner turn 10. 70-300mm f5.6 1/500th second.
This is the first swimming pool complex.Again this is very fast with cars traveling at nearly 100mph coming towards you. 300mm f6.7 1/640th second.
There are lots of other locations to shoot a race from but if you have to go to one place then the Fairmont hairpin curves, formally known by all as Lowes , is a good place to head for.You can shoot about 4 action shots here with the cars usually bunched up and traveling a lot slower. 70-300mm f8 1/400th second