3.22pm: Incredible, incredible race. You've got to question McLaren's strategy. Why did Button pit three times when Vettel stopped just once? Despite the smiles on the podium, he's bound to be frustrated. Will Hamilton be punished for taking out Maldonado? A twenty-second penalty would see him stay in P6... he's under investigation. Thanks for joining me for today's race. A truly brilliant drive by Vettel, who now leads the championship by 58 points. I look forward to your company in Canada. I'm now off for a much needed lie-down...
3.16pm: Here's Sportsmail's Simon Cass' verdict on the thrilling Monaco Grand Prix: 'I may have been critical of the tweaks for this season making matters too confusing and artificial but if they can make the usual processional Monaco Grand Prix this exciting then hats off to the rule makers.
'Overtaking moves, crashes, safety cars, wildly different strategies, yellow and red flags and above some superb driving.
'Vettel’s ability to nurse his tyres too on a one-stop strategy was nothing short of remarkable and he deserved a fresh set thanks to the red flag. Another solid job from Alonso who kept Vettel honest.
'As for Button, how unlucky that the safety car for Massa’s tunnel crash following Hamilton’s overtaking move almost certainly cost him a win.
'Barnstorming stuff from Hamilton, but a drive through for his move on Massa and another potential sanction for his barging overtake on Maldonado mean the stewards thought he overstepped the mark. Time to collect my thoughts before speaking to all those concerned.'
3.13pm: You beauty, Seb. You've won the Monaco grand Prix' Christian Horner yells. 'Thank you,' replies the world champion.
3.12pm: SEBASTIAN VETTEL WINS THE MONACO GRAND PRIX!
Lap 78: Vettel starts his final lap.
Lap 77: Such a shame for Maldonado, who will be fuming with Hamilton - as will the rest of the Williams team, who are in desperate need of points. Brilliant move from Webber, who passes Kobayashi into the chicane. He's up to fourth,
Lap 76: Vettel is set to win his fifth race in six this season. he's NINE tenths ahead of Alonso, and 2.2second ahead of Button. Alonso sets the fastest lap of the race.
Lap 75: And not surprising the Brit is under investigation, with the McLaren man now all over the back of Webber, who is in turn staring at the gearbox of Kobayashi in P4.
Lap 74: Button's caught napping on the restart, and crossed the start-line some TWO seconds behind the Red Bull. But Hamilton's at it again. He's taken Pastor Maldonado out of the race, after lunging down the inside of the Colombian at Saint Devote - he'll be punished for that one.
Lap 73: The safety car is in at the end of this lap...
3.04pm: The tyre blankets are off, and we're good to go for a second time in Monaco. The safety car leads them off...
3.00pm: Here's a run down on the top 10: Vettel, Alonso, Button, Kobayashi, Webber, Maldonado, Hamilton, Sutil, Heidfeld, Barrichello.
2.58pm: Here's Sportsmail's Simon Cass on the carnage: 'Press room wags are toying with the idea of nipping down to the grid and puncturing Vettel's tyres as McLaren's mechanics do a quick repair job on the back of Hamilton's car. Renault's Vitaly Petrov is off to the medical centre for a further check up after his heavy contact with the barriers but it seems, like Sauber's Sergio Perez, the Russian is lucky to just be seeing stars and will have some bumps and bruises to his legs. Good news.'
2.54pm: Race will re-start in TEN minutes. Track position and new tyres... surely, Vettel will see this one out. Petrov is 'okay', according to Renault chief Eric Boullier. That's good news.
2.51pm: This of course has played into the hands of Vettel, who is now allowed to put a new set of tyres on his Red Bull.
2.50pm: Petrov is out of his Renault and in the back of the ambulance... meanwhile, back on the grid, McLaren are changing Hamilton's rear-wing.
2.49pm: We're told Petrov is concious and is talking as medics extract the Russian from his Renault. Unconfirmed reports that he was knocked unconscious on impact...
2.45pm: The ambulance is out for Petrov. He's in trouble, and is reportedly complaining about a pain in his back. Meanwhile, the rest of the cars are on the start-finish line, and the race will be resumed when the track is cleared.
Lap 72: RACE IS RED FLAGGED!
Lap 71: Safety car is out.
Lap 70: Absolute mayhem. Maldonado passes Sutil, but the Force India man runs wide and collides with the barrier. He's left on three wheels, Hamilton, who had just passed Petrov brakes heavily and Alguersuari runs into the back of him, with Petrov then colliding with Alguersuari. Alguersuari, and Petrov are out, and Hamilton is left with a broken rear wing. Meanwhile, the leading three, who were coming up to lap the lot of them, narrowly avoid any contact, and tippy-toe their way past.
Lap 69: SAFETY CAR IS OUT!
Lap 68: Alonso misses the chicane coming out of the tunnel. The Spaniard is looking ragged. Have his tyres gone? Breathing space for Vettel, with Alonso now staring in his mirrors...
Lap 66: That's Alonso's best run at Vettel yet, but the German covers his line into Turn 1. meanwhile, Webber is past Sutil, and up to P5.
Lap 65: Talking of Sutil, Kobayashi plants one up the inside of the Force India man at Mirabeau. The two touch, and the Sauber driver is up to P4. I wonder if the stewards will have a look at that one?
Lap 64: The top three are separated by just one second. Alonso and Button's best bet must be on the run down to Saint Devote, but Alosno is struggling for traction out of the last corner. These three are ONE MINUTE ahead of Sutil.
Lap 62: We're all running line-astern here. This is fascinating. I wouldn't want to be where Fernando is sitting. He wants to make a move on Vettel, but has to keep tabs on Button behind. I can't see it staying like this until the end of the race. Something has to happen, doesn't it?
Lap 60: Vettel last stopped on lap 16. You're talking about 62 laps on the same set of tyres, should Vettel run to the end of the race. Incredible.
Lap 59: Can Vettel make his Red Bull wide enough to stop Alonso and Button getting past? This could be a tactical coup by Red Bull.
Lap 58: We're in for a thrilling final 20 laps here. Alonso is all over the back of Vettel, with Button just FOUR seconds further back.
Lap 57: Here's a run down on the top 10: Vettel, Alonso, Button, Sutil, Kobayashi, Petrov, Webber, Maldonado, Hamilton, Heidfeld.
Lap 56: 'Are they going to stay out?' Button asks. 'We're not sure, but we're quicker. We can pass him,' is the answer. A quick word for Sutil and Kobayashi who are running line-astern in P4 and P5. Like Vettel they're on a one-stopper, and are not going to have to stop again.
Lap 55: Webber is in for his second stop of the afternoon. He exits in P7.
Lap 54: So, it looks as though Vettel and Alonso aren't going to pit - as the Spaniard wags his hand at a Hispania backmarker, who cost him ONE second.
Lap 53: Still no sign on Vettel pitting. Is he going to stay out on this set of tyres? He last pitted on lap 19, but can he make these last until the end of the grand prix? He's jut 2.2 seconds ahead of Alonso, and 10 ahead of Button.
Lap 52: Vettel leads Alonso by FOUR seconds, but just 16 ahead of Button. Has the tide swung back in McLaren's favour?
Lap 50: Hamilton pits for his second stop for tyres. It's been a busy, but pretty torrid afternoon for the Briton. Is Alonso a threat to Vettel. He last stopped on lap 34, but has used both the super-soft, and soft compound. Will he have to pit again? Meanwhile, Button is now EIGHTEEN seconds behind Vettel. Surely, Vettel will exit behind Button? Why are Red Bull not responding?
Lap 48: And McLaren bring their man in, but he loses time on his out-lap after getting caught up behind back-marker Buemi. Button is down in P3. Will Red Bull respond by bringing Vettel in?
Lap 47: Button is EIGHT tenths down on Vettel...
Lap 46: 'It looks like Vettel is staying out for a while. If we want to win this race we are going to have to pass him on track', Button is told. McLaren are regretting the decision to bring Button in. He lost track-position to Vettel, and is losing time despite being on the faster tyre.
Lap 45: So, who is going to win today's race? Let me know what you think by dropping me a line...(see above)
Lap 43: No surprise there then, as Lewis is awarded a drive-through, and comes in straightaway. He exits in P9. vettel and Button are now SEVEN seconds clear of Alonso, and 25 ahead of Sutil, who is running down in P4. Kobayashi is in P5, with Webber in P6.
Lap 42: Remember Jenson is on the super softs, with Vettel on the harder tyre. Button will have to pit again, and run the slower harder tyre. Vettel will run the super softs after his next stop. Vettel has to be in pole-position now.
Lap 41: I think Jenson has heard you, Simon. He's now 0.5secs behind Vettel. The Brit is flying.
Lap 40: Here's Sportsmail's Simon Cass: 'Could we be faced with a situation that Hamilton's move on Massa, which caused the Ferrari driver to collect the barrier in the tunnel and bring out the safety car, cost Jenson Button chance of a win? It was the worst possible time for it to happen to Button who has wasted valuable laps cruising behind the safety car on his super soft tyres. Time to get the hammer down JB.
Lap 39: Vettel is 3.6secs up on Button, with Alonso in P3, Sutil in P4, and Kobayashi in P5. Unsurprisingly Hamilton is under investigation. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't get penalised.
Lap 38: Safety car is in at the end of this lap.
Lap 37: The safety car is still out as the marshalls recover Massa's stricken Ferrari.
Lap 36: Vettel leads from, Button and Alonso. Button and Alonso have both stopped twice, with leader Vettel yet to pit for a second time.
Lap 35: Surely, Hamilton will come under investigation for that move on Massa. It was wild. but the Briton declares his innocence. 'He turned into me. it was deliberate,' Lewis says over the team-radio.
Lap 34: SAFETY CAR OUT! Hamilton is alongside Massa in the tunnel - the Brazilian runs wide on the marbles and collides with the barrier. Schumacher's race is over, as his Mercedes comes to a halt after Rascasse. I don't think he parked it there 'deliberately' though that time. Whoops, did I say that out loud?
Lap 33: Jenson Button is in for his second pit-stop, and he leaves in clear space in P3. A frustrated Hamilton throws one down the inside of Massa at the hairpin, but he's too far behind. That's a ludicrous move - the pair collide.
Lap 32: Suspension damage for Timo Glock, who's race is over. Incredibly he's the first retirement today.
Lap 30: Button leads from Vettel by over 14 seconds. Alonso is P3, with Lewis staring at the gearbox of Massa's Ferrari, way down in the battle for 10th - a tough day for Hamilton.
Lap 29: For a second time today, Schumacher passes another competitor at the hairpin, sliding one down the inside of Rosberg. Nico did well not to turn into his countryman.
Lap 28: Could Button be on for his first McLaren win in dry conditions? He's looking good. Another incident-packed race. These new regulations, and the introduction of Pirelli tyres are working wonders this season.
Lap 27: Drive-through for PDR for his earlier misdemeanour, with Hamilton all over the back of Massa in the battle for P11. Button now over 13 seconds ahead of Vettel.
Lap 26: Here's Sportsmail's Simon Cass' verdict on events as they unfold from Monaco: Er, this is meant to be Monaco an no overtaking. The moves by Hamilton, Barrichello, Maldonado and Massa receive rounds of applause in the press room. Best Monaco Grand Prix I can remember for a long time. Pit stop disasters for both Red Bulls and Lewis Hamilton. Jenson Button is the major benefactor and the man who can look after his tyres better than anyone else is on a different strategy to Vettel. JB has promised another pit straight sprint if he wins.
Lap 25: Di Resta loses his front wing after diving up the inside of Alguersuari at the hairpin. He'll have to come in for repairs, as Maldonado pits from P5.
Lap 24: Button is one second-a-lap quicker than Vettel. Incredible.
Lap 22: Disaster for Hamilton - his weekend goes from bad-to-worse. He comes in for a pit-stop, but, not for the first time today, the mechanics aren't ready for their driver. His stop is over NINE seconds and he leaves the pits way down the order in p14, and tucked up behind Webber. Button meanwhile is now over TEN seconds ahead of Vettel. He is flying on the super softs.
Lap 20: Rosberg is way down in P18, and Schumacher P19, while Button is now EIGHT seconds ahead of Vettel. Only Button, Vettel, Webber, and Alonso have pitted of the top 10. Hamilton is tucked up behind Petrov in P7.
Lap 19: Here's a run down on the top 10: Button leads from Vettel, Alonso, Massa, Maldonado, Petrov, Hamilton, Barrichello Di Resta, Kobayashi.
Lap 18: Button is SIX seconds ahead of Vettel, while Alonso struggles on his out-lap. He was FIVE seconds slower than the Briton there. Worried faces at Ferrari.
Lap 16: Chaos at Red Bull. Vettel comes in to response to Button, but the mechanics aren't ready for him. They've got Webber's tyres out, and not Vettel's! A slow stop for the German ensues, and an even slower one for Webber. Jenson Button now LEADS the grand prix, and is flying. Incredible! Webber is way down the field in P14.
Lap 15: Button is in for a set of super softs, and re-joins the track in P4. Alonso up to P2, and Webber P3. Ferrari standing by with a new front wing for Massa if required. He lost his end-plate after touching Rosberg. Nico is in for his first pit-stop.
Lap 14: Felipe Massa loses a piece of his front wing in the run down to Casino Square getting to close to Rosberg, but then nails the Mercedes in the swimming pool complex, with Maldonado following the Ferrari man through. The Mercedes drivers a re really struggling with tyre wear here.
Lap 12: Schumacher's going backwards. So much for that podium. Barrichello passes his former team-mate into Mirabeau, and then duly pits for a new set of boots. But his team aren't ready for him, and it's a slow stop. What an oh-so disappointing race for Schuey so far.
Lap 11: This is refreshing. We're 11 laps in, and we haven't had any pit-stops. Schumacher now thirty seconds down on Vettel. Button four seconds down on Vettel.
Lap 10: Brilliant move from Hamilton. The Briton activates the DRS on the pit-straight and slides one up the inside of Schumacher to take P9. Good driving from Schumacher, who almost turned into the McLaren, but backed out of it. Hamilton gestures to the German, as if to ask 'what are you doing'? Superb driving from both world champions.
Lap 8: This is like watching Ayrton Senna harass Nigel Mansell all those years ago. Hamilton is CLEARLY faster than the 42-year-old, but he just can't find a way around the German. He's a country-mile behind Vettel now. Schumacher says his rear tyres are grained. He's THREE seconds slower than Vettel, while Button is now matching the Red Bull. He's 1.6secs up on Alonso.
Lap 6: Hamilton lost part of his rear-wing in that collision with Schumacher at Turn 1 on the first lap. The German's Mercedes kicked into anti-stall off the line... a truly miserable start from Michael.
Lap 5: Vettel leads from Button by 4.2secs, who is a second or so up on Alonso. Hamilton tucked up behind the man, who has led more laps than anyone else around Monaco... That's Schumacher in case you didn't know.
Lap 4: TV replays show that Schumacher lost part of his rear wing on the run down to Saint Devote after baulking at the start. Surprising, as the seven-time champion is usually supreme off the start-line. Will McLaren bring Lewis in early to get the jump on Schumacher. Remember, Hamilton was one of the favourites to stick it on pole yesterday. He's been very quick this weekend.
Lap 3: No puncture for Lewis, according to McLaren, but the Brit is already ELEVEN seconds down on race-leader Vettel.
Lap 2: Vettel is 3.2secs ahead of Button already - incredible. The German is romping away at the front of this race. How many times have we said that already this season? Still no news on a suspected puncture for Lewis. He's keeping tabs on Schuey, but it's notoriously impossible to pass around here.
Lap 1: Vettel leads from Button, with Alonso in third after getting the jump on Webber, who is in P4. A brilliant start from Rosberg in P5, but team-mate Schumacher is down to P9. The five-time Monaco winner was in p10, but passed Hamilton at the chicane. Lewis is on the radio to say he was hit by Schumacher, and could have a right rear puncture.
1.01pm: Jenson Button reporting 'really heavy steering' on the parade lap. I'll keep you posted.
12.58pm: A good effort from Schuey, a five-time winner in Monaco, to stick it in fifth. Will today's race mark a return to the podium for the first time since his ill-fated comeback? Aamir_yousuf thinks so on Twitter. 'Today is a great opportunity for Schumacher to make it to the podium,' he says.
12.55pm: It's a gorgeous day in Monaco. Here's a reminder of the top 10: Vettel will start ahead of Button, Webber, Alonso, Schumacher (with his best quali of the season), Massa, Rosberg, Maldonado, Hamilton, Petrov
12.48pm: And here's Geri Halliwell giving her earth-shattering verdict on today's grand prix: 'I want Webber and Vettel (to win) - I like them. (Vettel) Sounds like a very nice water doesn't it. It's so amazing to be down here. I love the smell of petrol.' - Er, thanks for that, Geri.
12.43pm: 'Hi Phil my name's Kevin. I've been there in 01 and 02 amazing place the noise bounces of the walls let's hope no more crashes out of tunnel. I've just done London marathon and moonwalk in memory of my late friend Caron Keating. Have a great race, Kevin Cooke - thanks for your mail, Kevin - let's hope today's race is a corker.
12.39pm: 'I started alongside Sebastian once this year, and I got past him at Turn 1' - that's a confident JB for you from the grid. 'The track is in pretty good shape. It's a long grand prix, so we've got to stay concentrated for the full two hours, says Mark Webber in P3, and here's pole-sitter Vettel, who appears a bit tense today: 'They will push hard, so it's not a walk in the park for us.'
12.30pm: Hamilton was fuming yesterday after being caught out by Perez's shunt which led to a red flag. To make matters worse he was then penalised for cutting the chicane - he'll start from P9. A huge disappointment for the Stevenage-born man, who was fastest in Q1 and Q2. Can Lewis make his mark in today's race? Will Button give Vettel a run for his money? Let's hear your predictions. You can do so by dropping me an email, or Tweet (see above).
12.24pm: Back to today's race, and Sportsmail's chief motor racing correspondent Simon Cass reports a 'bomb scare' in the Monaco paddock: 'Scorching day down by the harbour and if the Monaco Grand Prix did not provide drama enough we have had a bomb scare in the paddock right next to the FIA motor home.
'Thankfully nothing more than a forgetful punter leaving his rucksack in the Stars and Bars watering hole opposite. Conspiracy theorists can stand down.
'I've been for a famous people hunt in the paddock and the best I have got for you up to now is former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker.
'On another note, Renault team manager Flavio Briatore has been here all weekend and I spotted him nipping into the FIA motor home for a quick chat... to be a fly on the wall!
12.20pm: We've just been told that Sergio Perez will remain in hospital for another night after his horror shunt in yesterday's qualifying session. A spokesperson from Sauber said the young Mexican had a 'very good nights sleep' and is 'very well' - better news then. That was a horrible crash yesterday, and could have been much worse had it been head-on. Sportsmail sends out its best wishes to Perez.
12.15pm: Nothing quite beats Formula One's race around the principality of Monte Carlo does it? From the glitz and glamour to the finesse of racing around the narrow streets of the southern French port, Monaco really does have it all. And pole-king Sebastian Vettel will have the best seat in the house for round 6 of the 2011 championship after topping the timesheets on Saturday. The 23-year-old German will start ahead of Jenson Button, Mark Webber, and Fernando Alonso, with Lewis Hamilton in ninth.
12.10pm: Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to Sportsmail's coverage of the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix.
3.16pm: Here's Sportsmail's Simon Cass' verdict on the thrilling Monaco Grand Prix: 'I may have been critical of the tweaks for this season making matters too confusing and artificial but if they can make the usual processional Monaco Grand Prix this exciting then hats off to the rule makers.
'Overtaking moves, crashes, safety cars, wildly different strategies, yellow and red flags and above some superb driving.
'Vettel’s ability to nurse his tyres too on a one-stop strategy was nothing short of remarkable and he deserved a fresh set thanks to the red flag. Another solid job from Alonso who kept Vettel honest.
'As for Button, how unlucky that the safety car for Massa’s tunnel crash following Hamilton’s overtaking move almost certainly cost him a win.
'Barnstorming stuff from Hamilton, but a drive through for his move on Massa and another potential sanction for his barging overtake on Maldonado mean the stewards thought he overstepped the mark. Time to collect my thoughts before speaking to all those concerned.'
3.13pm: You beauty, Seb. You've won the Monaco grand Prix' Christian Horner yells. 'Thank you,' replies the world champion.
3.12pm: SEBASTIAN VETTEL WINS THE MONACO GRAND PRIX!
Lap 78: Vettel starts his final lap.
Lap 77: Such a shame for Maldonado, who will be fuming with Hamilton - as will the rest of the Williams team, who are in desperate need of points. Brilliant move from Webber, who passes Kobayashi into the chicane. He's up to fourth,
Lap 76: Vettel is set to win his fifth race in six this season. he's NINE tenths ahead of Alonso, and 2.2second ahead of Button. Alonso sets the fastest lap of the race.
Lap 75: And not surprising the Brit is under investigation, with the McLaren man now all over the back of Webber, who is in turn staring at the gearbox of Kobayashi in P4.
Lap 74: Button's caught napping on the restart, and crossed the start-line some TWO seconds behind the Red Bull. But Hamilton's at it again. He's taken Pastor Maldonado out of the race, after lunging down the inside of the Colombian at Saint Devote - he'll be punished for that one.
Lap 73: The safety car is in at the end of this lap...
3.04pm: The tyre blankets are off, and we're good to go for a second time in Monaco. The safety car leads them off...
3.00pm: Here's a run down on the top 10: Vettel, Alonso, Button, Kobayashi, Webber, Maldonado, Hamilton, Sutil, Heidfeld, Barrichello.
2.58pm: Here's Sportsmail's Simon Cass on the carnage: 'Press room wags are toying with the idea of nipping down to the grid and puncturing Vettel's tyres as McLaren's mechanics do a quick repair job on the back of Hamilton's car. Renault's Vitaly Petrov is off to the medical centre for a further check up after his heavy contact with the barriers but it seems, like Sauber's Sergio Perez, the Russian is lucky to just be seeing stars and will have some bumps and bruises to his legs. Good news.'
2.54pm: Race will re-start in TEN minutes. Track position and new tyres... surely, Vettel will see this one out. Petrov is 'okay', according to Renault chief Eric Boullier. That's good news.
2.51pm: This of course has played into the hands of Vettel, who is now allowed to put a new set of tyres on his Red Bull.
2.50pm: Petrov is out of his Renault and in the back of the ambulance... meanwhile, back on the grid, McLaren are changing Hamilton's rear-wing.
2.49pm: We're told Petrov is concious and is talking as medics extract the Russian from his Renault. Unconfirmed reports that he was knocked unconscious on impact...
2.45pm: The ambulance is out for Petrov. He's in trouble, and is reportedly complaining about a pain in his back. Meanwhile, the rest of the cars are on the start-finish line, and the race will be resumed when the track is cleared.
Lap 72: RACE IS RED FLAGGED!
Lap 71: Safety car is out.
Lap 70: Absolute mayhem. Maldonado passes Sutil, but the Force India man runs wide and collides with the barrier. He's left on three wheels, Hamilton, who had just passed Petrov brakes heavily and Alguersuari runs into the back of him, with Petrov then colliding with Alguersuari. Alguersuari, and Petrov are out, and Hamilton is left with a broken rear wing. Meanwhile, the leading three, who were coming up to lap the lot of them, narrowly avoid any contact, and tippy-toe their way past.
Lap 69: SAFETY CAR IS OUT!
Lap 68: Alonso misses the chicane coming out of the tunnel. The Spaniard is looking ragged. Have his tyres gone? Breathing space for Vettel, with Alonso now staring in his mirrors...
Lap 66: That's Alonso's best run at Vettel yet, but the German covers his line into Turn 1. meanwhile, Webber is past Sutil, and up to P5.
Lap 65: Talking of Sutil, Kobayashi plants one up the inside of the Force India man at Mirabeau. The two touch, and the Sauber driver is up to P4. I wonder if the stewards will have a look at that one?
Lap 64: The top three are separated by just one second. Alonso and Button's best bet must be on the run down to Saint Devote, but Alosno is struggling for traction out of the last corner. These three are ONE MINUTE ahead of Sutil.
Lap 62: We're all running line-astern here. This is fascinating. I wouldn't want to be where Fernando is sitting. He wants to make a move on Vettel, but has to keep tabs on Button behind. I can't see it staying like this until the end of the race. Something has to happen, doesn't it?
Lap 60: Vettel last stopped on lap 16. You're talking about 62 laps on the same set of tyres, should Vettel run to the end of the race. Incredible.
Lap 59: Can Vettel make his Red Bull wide enough to stop Alonso and Button getting past? This could be a tactical coup by Red Bull.
Lap 58: We're in for a thrilling final 20 laps here. Alonso is all over the back of Vettel, with Button just FOUR seconds further back.
Lap 57: Here's a run down on the top 10: Vettel, Alonso, Button, Sutil, Kobayashi, Petrov, Webber, Maldonado, Hamilton, Heidfeld.
Lap 56: 'Are they going to stay out?' Button asks. 'We're not sure, but we're quicker. We can pass him,' is the answer. A quick word for Sutil and Kobayashi who are running line-astern in P4 and P5. Like Vettel they're on a one-stopper, and are not going to have to stop again.
Lap 55: Webber is in for his second stop of the afternoon. He exits in P7.
Lap 54: So, it looks as though Vettel and Alonso aren't going to pit - as the Spaniard wags his hand at a Hispania backmarker, who cost him ONE second.
Lap 53: Still no sign on Vettel pitting. Is he going to stay out on this set of tyres? He last pitted on lap 19, but can he make these last until the end of the grand prix? He's jut 2.2 seconds ahead of Alonso, and 10 ahead of Button.
Lap 52: Vettel leads Alonso by FOUR seconds, but just 16 ahead of Button. Has the tide swung back in McLaren's favour?
Lap 50: Hamilton pits for his second stop for tyres. It's been a busy, but pretty torrid afternoon for the Briton. Is Alonso a threat to Vettel. He last stopped on lap 34, but has used both the super-soft, and soft compound. Will he have to pit again? Meanwhile, Button is now EIGHTEEN seconds behind Vettel. Surely, Vettel will exit behind Button? Why are Red Bull not responding?
Lap 48: And McLaren bring their man in, but he loses time on his out-lap after getting caught up behind back-marker Buemi. Button is down in P3. Will Red Bull respond by bringing Vettel in?
Lap 47: Button is EIGHT tenths down on Vettel...
Lap 46: 'It looks like Vettel is staying out for a while. If we want to win this race we are going to have to pass him on track', Button is told. McLaren are regretting the decision to bring Button in. He lost track-position to Vettel, and is losing time despite being on the faster tyre.
Lap 45: So, who is going to win today's race? Let me know what you think by dropping me a line...(see above)
Lap 43: No surprise there then, as Lewis is awarded a drive-through, and comes in straightaway. He exits in P9. vettel and Button are now SEVEN seconds clear of Alonso, and 25 ahead of Sutil, who is running down in P4. Kobayashi is in P5, with Webber in P6.
Lap 41: I think Jenson has heard you, Simon. He's now 0.5secs behind Vettel. The Brit is flying.
Lap 40: Here's Sportsmail's Simon Cass: 'Could we be faced with a situation that Hamilton's move on Massa, which caused the Ferrari driver to collect the barrier in the tunnel and bring out the safety car, cost Jenson Button chance of a win? It was the worst possible time for it to happen to Button who has wasted valuable laps cruising behind the safety car on his super soft tyres. Time to get the hammer down JB.
Lap 39: Vettel is 3.6secs up on Button, with Alonso in P3, Sutil in P4, and Kobayashi in P5. Unsurprisingly Hamilton is under investigation. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't get penalised.
Lap 38: Safety car is in at the end of this lap.
Lap 37: The safety car is still out as the marshalls recover Massa's stricken Ferrari.
Lap 36: Vettel leads from, Button and Alonso. Button and Alonso have both stopped twice, with leader Vettel yet to pit for a second time.
Lap 35: Surely, Hamilton will come under investigation for that move on Massa. It was wild. but the Briton declares his innocence. 'He turned into me. it was deliberate,' Lewis says over the team-radio.
Lap 34: SAFETY CAR OUT! Hamilton is alongside Massa in the tunnel - the Brazilian runs wide on the marbles and collides with the barrier. Schumacher's race is over, as his Mercedes comes to a halt after Rascasse. I don't think he parked it there 'deliberately' though that time. Whoops, did I say that out loud?
Lap 33: Jenson Button is in for his second pit-stop, and he leaves in clear space in P3. A frustrated Hamilton throws one down the inside of Massa at the hairpin, but he's too far behind. That's a ludicrous move - the pair collide.
Lap 32: Suspension damage for Timo Glock, who's race is over. Incredibly he's the first retirement today.
Lap 30: Button leads from Vettel by over 14 seconds. Alonso is P3, with Lewis staring at the gearbox of Massa's Ferrari, way down in the battle for 10th - a tough day for Hamilton.
Lap 29: For a second time today, Schumacher passes another competitor at the hairpin, sliding one down the inside of Rosberg. Nico did well not to turn into his countryman.
Lap 28: Could Button be on for his first McLaren win in dry conditions? He's looking good. Another incident-packed race. These new regulations, and the introduction of Pirelli tyres are working wonders this season.
Lap 27: Drive-through for PDR for his earlier misdemeanour, with Hamilton all over the back of Massa in the battle for P11. Button now over 13 seconds ahead of Vettel.
Lap 26: Here's Sportsmail's Simon Cass' verdict on events as they unfold from Monaco: Er, this is meant to be Monaco an no overtaking. The moves by Hamilton, Barrichello, Maldonado and Massa receive rounds of applause in the press room. Best Monaco Grand Prix I can remember for a long time. Pit stop disasters for both Red Bulls and Lewis Hamilton. Jenson Button is the major benefactor and the man who can look after his tyres better than anyone else is on a different strategy to Vettel. JB has promised another pit straight sprint if he wins.
Lap 25: Di Resta loses his front wing after diving up the inside of Alguersuari at the hairpin. He'll have to come in for repairs, as Maldonado pits from P5.
Lap 24: Button is one second-a-lap quicker than Vettel. Incredible.
Lap 22: Disaster for Hamilton - his weekend goes from bad-to-worse. He comes in for a pit-stop, but, not for the first time today, the mechanics aren't ready for their driver. His stop is over NINE seconds and he leaves the pits way down the order in p14, and tucked up behind Webber. Button meanwhile is now over TEN seconds ahead of Vettel. He is flying on the super softs.
Lap 20: Rosberg is way down in P18, and Schumacher P19, while Button is now EIGHT seconds ahead of Vettel. Only Button, Vettel, Webber, and Alonso have pitted of the top 10. Hamilton is tucked up behind Petrov in P7.
Lap 19: Here's a run down on the top 10: Button leads from Vettel, Alonso, Massa, Maldonado, Petrov, Hamilton, Barrichello Di Resta, Kobayashi.
Lap 18: Button is SIX seconds ahead of Vettel, while Alonso struggles on his out-lap. He was FIVE seconds slower than the Briton there. Worried faces at Ferrari.
Lap 16: Chaos at Red Bull. Vettel comes in to response to Button, but the mechanics aren't ready for him. They've got Webber's tyres out, and not Vettel's! A slow stop for the German ensues, and an even slower one for Webber. Jenson Button now LEADS the grand prix, and is flying. Incredible! Webber is way down the field in P14.
Lap 15: Button is in for a set of super softs, and re-joins the track in P4. Alonso up to P2, and Webber P3. Ferrari standing by with a new front wing for Massa if required. He lost his end-plate after touching Rosberg. Nico is in for his first pit-stop.
Lap 14: Felipe Massa loses a piece of his front wing in the run down to Casino Square getting to close to Rosberg, but then nails the Mercedes in the swimming pool complex, with Maldonado following the Ferrari man through. The Mercedes drivers a re really struggling with tyre wear here.
Lap 12: Schumacher's going backwards. So much for that podium. Barrichello passes his former team-mate into Mirabeau, and then duly pits for a new set of boots. But his team aren't ready for him, and it's a slow stop. What an oh-so disappointing race for Schuey so far.
Lap 11: This is refreshing. We're 11 laps in, and we haven't had any pit-stops. Schumacher now thirty seconds down on Vettel. Button four seconds down on Vettel.
Lap 10: Brilliant move from Hamilton. The Briton activates the DRS on the pit-straight and slides one up the inside of Schumacher to take P9. Good driving from Schumacher, who almost turned into the McLaren, but backed out of it. Hamilton gestures to the German, as if to ask 'what are you doing'? Superb driving from both world champions.
Lap 8: This is like watching Ayrton Senna harass Nigel Mansell all those years ago. Hamilton is CLEARLY faster than the 42-year-old, but he just can't find a way around the German. He's a country-mile behind Vettel now. Schumacher says his rear tyres are grained. He's THREE seconds slower than Vettel, while Button is now matching the Red Bull. He's 1.6secs up on Alonso.
Lap 6: Hamilton lost part of his rear-wing in that collision with Schumacher at Turn 1 on the first lap. The German's Mercedes kicked into anti-stall off the line... a truly miserable start from Michael.
Lap 5: Vettel leads from Button by 4.2secs, who is a second or so up on Alonso. Hamilton tucked up behind the man, who has led more laps than anyone else around Monaco... That's Schumacher in case you didn't know.
Lap 4: TV replays show that Schumacher lost part of his rear wing on the run down to Saint Devote after baulking at the start. Surprising, as the seven-time champion is usually supreme off the start-line. Will McLaren bring Lewis in early to get the jump on Schumacher. Remember, Hamilton was one of the favourites to stick it on pole yesterday. He's been very quick this weekend.
Lap 3: No puncture for Lewis, according to McLaren, but the Brit is already ELEVEN seconds down on race-leader Vettel.
Lap 2: Vettel is 3.2secs ahead of Button already - incredible. The German is romping away at the front of this race. How many times have we said that already this season? Still no news on a suspected puncture for Lewis. He's keeping tabs on Schuey, but it's notoriously impossible to pass around here.
Lap 1: Vettel leads from Button, with Alonso in third after getting the jump on Webber, who is in P4. A brilliant start from Rosberg in P5, but team-mate Schumacher is down to P9. The five-time Monaco winner was in p10, but passed Hamilton at the chicane. Lewis is on the radio to say he was hit by Schumacher, and could have a right rear puncture.
1.01pm: Jenson Button reporting 'really heavy steering' on the parade lap. I'll keep you posted.
12.58pm: A good effort from Schuey, a five-time winner in Monaco, to stick it in fifth. Will today's race mark a return to the podium for the first time since his ill-fated comeback? Aamir_yousuf thinks so on Twitter. 'Today is a great opportunity for Schumacher to make it to the podium,' he says.
12.55pm: It's a gorgeous day in Monaco. Here's a reminder of the top 10: Vettel will start ahead of Button, Webber, Alonso, Schumacher (with his best quali of the season), Massa, Rosberg, Maldonado, Hamilton, Petrov
12.48pm: And here's Geri Halliwell giving her earth-shattering verdict on today's grand prix: 'I want Webber and Vettel (to win) - I like them. (Vettel) Sounds like a very nice water doesn't it. It's so amazing to be down here. I love the smell of petrol.' - Er, thanks for that, Geri.
12.43pm: 'Hi Phil my name's Kevin. I've been there in 01 and 02 amazing place the noise bounces of the walls let's hope no more crashes out of tunnel. I've just done London marathon and moonwalk in memory of my late friend Caron Keating. Have a great race, Kevin Cooke - thanks for your mail, Kevin - let's hope today's race is a corker.
12.39pm: 'I started alongside Sebastian once this year, and I got past him at Turn 1' - that's a confident JB for you from the grid. 'The track is in pretty good shape. It's a long grand prix, so we've got to stay concentrated for the full two hours, says Mark Webber in P3, and here's pole-sitter Vettel, who appears a bit tense today: 'They will push hard, so it's not a walk in the park for us.'
12.30pm: Hamilton was fuming yesterday after being caught out by Perez's shunt which led to a red flag. To make matters worse he was then penalised for cutting the chicane - he'll start from P9. A huge disappointment for the Stevenage-born man, who was fastest in Q1 and Q2. Can Lewis make his mark in today's race? Will Button give Vettel a run for his money? Let's hear your predictions. You can do so by dropping me an email, or Tweet (see above).
12.24pm: Back to today's race, and Sportsmail's chief motor racing correspondent Simon Cass reports a 'bomb scare' in the Monaco paddock: 'Scorching day down by the harbour and if the Monaco Grand Prix did not provide drama enough we have had a bomb scare in the paddock right next to the FIA motor home.
'Thankfully nothing more than a forgetful punter leaving his rucksack in the Stars and Bars watering hole opposite. Conspiracy theorists can stand down.
'I've been for a famous people hunt in the paddock and the best I have got for you up to now is former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker.
'On another note, Renault team manager Flavio Briatore has been here all weekend and I spotted him nipping into the FIA motor home for a quick chat... to be a fly on the wall!
12.20pm: We've just been told that Sergio Perez will remain in hospital for another night after his horror shunt in yesterday's qualifying session. A spokesperson from Sauber said the young Mexican had a 'very good nights sleep' and is 'very well' - better news then. That was a horrible crash yesterday, and could have been much worse had it been head-on. Sportsmail sends out its best wishes to Perez.
12.15pm: Nothing quite beats Formula One's race around the principality of Monte Carlo does it? From the glitz and glamour to the finesse of racing around the narrow streets of the southern French port, Monaco really does have it all. And pole-king Sebastian Vettel will have the best seat in the house for round 6 of the 2011 championship after topping the timesheets on Saturday. The 23-year-old German will start ahead of Jenson Button, Mark Webber, and Fernando Alonso, with Lewis Hamilton in ninth.
12.10pm: Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to Sportsmail's coverage of the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix.
No comments:
Post a Comment