Without doubt the most iconic grand prix track in the world, the Monaco Grand Prix has been an institution on both the sporting and social calendars since its inception in 1929.

The unique layout of the tight and barrier-lined harbourside street track presents a special challenge to the drivers, who generally either love it or loathe it.

The first world championship race in 1950 set the tone – 10 cars were eliminated in a first-lap shunt.

Five years later Alberto Ascari made history by becoming the only driver to crash into the harbour.

In the 1960s Graham Hill became the acknowledged ‘master of Monaco’ when he took a total of five wins.

Ayrton Senna surpassed even that record by winning six times in seven years between 1987 and 1993.

Michael Schumacher would also become known as a Monaco specialist, taking five victories on the streets.

But he met his downfall in Monte Carlo in his final season, being put to the back of grid for feigning an accident in a bid to obstruct Fernando Alonso’s charge for pole.

The track remains a thrilling throwback to the past, but gradually even Monaco’s face has been changed to bring it into line with more modern thinking.

A permanent pit garage complex was finally built in 2003, with the last few corners reprofiled (using land from the ocean) to make room.

The entry to the swimming pool complex – a left-right blink of the eye at 130mph – remains one of the thrilling pieces of tarmac on the F1 calendar, even if some of its teeth have been drawn now that the barriers have been moved back from the apex.

And the slalom through Massenet and Casino Square and over the crest down to Mirabeau is surely one of the most spectacular places to witness a grand prix car at close quarters.

Monaco is a glorious anachronism – and long may it remain so.