May 23, 2007

Europe | Monaco | Monte Carlo

Same Formula, New Flash

By Nicole Cotroneo

Fairmont Monte Carlo gets race-ready just in time for the Grand Prix — and with some of the best seats on the circuit.

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If you suffer from a serious addiction to speed — and we don’t mean the powdery kind — then you need to get to Monaco, pronto. The most iconic race in the Formula One calendar starts Sunday in the heart of high-rolling Monte Carlo. Pitting together the A-list of automotive giants (Ferrari, Mercedes and BMW), the Monaco Grand Prix is the only race in the F1 calendar to run entirely through city streets (as grands prix used to be). The drivers are among the most affluent sportsmen in the world — Michael Schumacher’s income was second to only Tiger Woods‘ before retiring last year — and they come to party at Jimmy’z with as much testosterone as they do to compete. (Ever wondered why there’s a “day of rest” between Thursday practice and Saturday qualifying?)

So where best to see Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, et al speed through the avenues of Europe’s poshest principality (and the world’s second-smallest nation)? Smart money’s on the seventh-floor terrace of the Fairmont Monte Carlo, whose $55-million refurbishment was completed this week, just in time for GP. Hugging the Côte d’Azur coastline, next to the opera house, the hotel also happens to sit right on the circuit’s fabled hairpin turn. And if you’ve had your fill of watching asphalt, you can always retire to one of Fairmont’s revamped deluxe rooms or the new lobby bar — both of which command views of the Riviera.