SLR and the Season 7 Elite Championship docks in the French Riviera for the Monaco Grand Prix, the jewel in the Formula One crown and the race everybody wants to win. A true test of attrition rather than outright pace, Monaco provides a unique spin on the Formula One format by emphasising the importance of the Saturday, as Qualifying can put drivers in good stead for the race should they keep it clean.
Qualifying for Monaco would be an intense affair, as drivers aimed to set competitive times, and also keep the car out of the wall, as many of the track’s tight curves and heavy braking zones require the upmost confidence and ability in both car and driver. It would be SLR Niki in the Aston Martin claiming pole position as the only driver to set a sub 68s lap, posting a 1:07.916, which would be just under a tenth quicker than the Red Bull of Raceroller22, however, due to an incident during qualifying, would demote him down to P7 on the grid. SLR Dylan, his teammate however, would inherit the front row start, and UKBeastAssassin in the Haas, would be pushed up to 3rd.
Drivers will be getting the word in their ears by Jeff that there should be no heroics into Saint Devote, and as the lights would go out, the Haas of UKBeastAssassin, on the soft tyre, got the slicker jump on the Red Bull and up to P2 as SLR Niki would lead heading out of turn 1, as the battle in the midfield would see Roller and RIggs both make the jump on Bezzas, while his teammate Midzy15, would have his rear tapped on the exit of T1 and into the wall, which would break the field up at the back due to the incident and drivers having to take avoiding action NIki would develop a strong and commanding lead early on as UKBeastAssassin would sustain damage to the car and become a blockage for the drivers behind early on, as they all jostled for any way past. It got to such levels of extreme, SLR Cech ended up in the wall on the exit of the tunnel in the train, and with no clear indication as to what happened, it highlighted the unforgiving nature of the circuit. FRA Ham would have wheel issues plaguing his race yet again on the same lap, with an incident at the swimming pool chicane.
Monaco is predictable in relation to wheel to wheel racing and the lackthereof, as the racing stablised and by lap 12, SLR Niki would have an 8s lead over SLR Dylan as small battles developed, as well as the accumulation of penalties began to shine through
The discussion of strategy would cast shadows over the battle for P2 as Red Bull could exercise the opportunity to get the jump on Ghost Colt as they were sandwiched between both bulls, and it would probably come down to a matter of when, rather than if, for one of the Bulls to initiate an undercut and gain that crucial advantage. Strategists working overtime to work out the gaps and time spent in pits and traffic, and determining when to execute, all played important factors
Bezzas would pit from 6th on lap 18 for wheels plus a wing change, which would open up the gap between Riggs and Jibjab, and opened up the window for the lead drivers to slot in behind, but whether they wanted to slot into a gap behind the 5th placed Alpine, or hold out and see if it stretched further, would soon be answered. Bezzas pitstop allowed JibJab to put in some fast laps and close the gap down to the Alpine.
Lap31 would see Riggs pit again in the hope he could repeat the feat earlier in the race, however, it backfired once he slotted in right on the rear of UKBeastAssassin and Bezzas, hindering any opportunity to make the leaders think again about stopping. By the end of Lap32, Riggs would pull off a breathtaking move round the outside of Rascasse and Anthony Noughes on Bezzas, and with a slide on the exit, almost put his Alpine in the wall. A great level of respect and recognition for both drivers showed that overtaking could be done on the tightest track on the Formula One calendar. Riggs would get a better purchase of Portier and into the tunnel, as he overtook the Haas of UKBeastAssassin just a few corners later.
UKBeastAssassin and Bezzas would have an incident up the hill into massenet as both drivers would lose their wings, and involve them both having to go through the pits again to get it repaired. Bezzas would retire soon after as he would lose control of the car and send it into the barriers. Retirements become commonplace in the later stages as Ragga Yute would lose it coming out of the tunnel as the lap counter ticked on and the race would come to an end
SLR Niki was a blemish away from the grand slam in Monte Carlo, missing the fastest lap in his name, however, I do not think he will care in the slightest as he took an authoritative win over the field on the streets of Monaco, and 25pts in the bank for himself and for Aston Martin. The Red Bulls of Raceroller and Dylan would make it Red Bulls second 2nd 3rd finish of the season as Monaco yet again, provides a more strategic element to racing rather than the wheel to wheel combat, but nevertheless, always a mainstay on the modern calendar!
Qualifying
Pole Lap: 01.07.916
1. SLR Niki
2. SLR Dylan
3. UKBeastAssassin
4. SLR Cech
5. Gho3t COLT
6. bezzas1
7. raceroller22
8. R1ggs8
9. Ragga Yute
10. Midzy15
11. Arb0n EPA
12. FRA Jam40
13. FRA Ham19
14. JibJab325
Race
Fastest Lap: 01.09.275 JibJab325
1. SLR Niki
2. raceroller22
3. SLR Dylan
4. R1ggs8
5. JIbJab325
6. UKBeastAssassin
7. SLR Cech
8. ArbOn EPA
9. FRA Jam40
10. bezzas1 (DNF)
11. Ragga Yute (DNF)
12. Gho3t COLT (DNF)
13. Midzy15 (DNF)
14. FRA Ham19 (DNF)
Bezzas1 vs UKBeastAssassin
Decision- no further action
Reason: bezzas attempts to make a move on beast on the exit of turn 1 and gets halfway alongside before losing a bit of ground and touching his right rear wheel. This causes the two cars to become locked together, slightly moving to the right hand side of the track and causing them both to hit the wall. We feel this is an acceptable level of racing contact that neither party is predominantly at fault for. A mixture of the game mechanics forcing both cars to the right and the tight nature of Monaco causes them to hit the wall, resulting in damage to bezzas and beast.
Surely the most important Qualifying session of the year at Monaco saw Aston Martin lock out the front row though SLR bennett took A 5 place grid penalty as klutzy winter stopped infront of him as a result of his wheel turning off meaning bennett would start p7 promoting sotierclock110 up to p2 and klutzy grabbed p3
As the lights went out immediately yet again Bennett’s wheel completely went on him forcing him into the wall at the start but thankfully managed to bring the car to a stop before causing a colossal crash he went on to crash the car after the same force feedback problem sent him into the wall. Moments later DPT Alfie was the next driver to retire on his debut bringing out the virtual safety car. Following the trend soon after SLR Vandoorne and one of the pre race favourites rockamad saw their races end early.
Lap 7 saw klutzywinter830 pass LP smoke for the lead where he’d drive off into the distance and never look back whilst this was the start of a disappointing afternoon for championship leader LP smoke who would go on to have 6 pit stops! We then saw Darren 22 crash out shortly followed by SLR Morgan! This race had quickly turned into a case of finish and you get points. SLR Semm and hamy is best were the next victims of this incredibly challenging track and out of the race, Then the inevitable happened, SLR Liamm’s wheel turned off yet again causing him to get damage, when will this guy get some luck?!
Lap 39 and the checkered flag waved and our mr Monaco for division 1 this year was Klutzywinter830 winning by an incredible 49 seconds showcasing incredible pace followed by elite x riskz and sotierclock110 rounding out the podium huge congratulations to them guys and a shoutout to the 8 drivers who hung in there and finished the challenging race!
Onto baku!
Qualifying
Pole Time: 1:08.596
1. LP Smoke
2. SLR Bennett3810
3. SotierClock110
4. KlutzyWinter830
5. SLR Semm
6. ELiTE x RisKz
7. rockamad73
8. ARL PReDaToRZz
9. OwenHowell36
10. Hamy is best
11. DPT Alfie
12. DPT Paul
13. Darren l 22
14. SLR Morgan
15. SLR Liamm
16. SLR Vandoorne (QB)
Race
Fastest Lap: 1:09.719 - KlutzyWinter830
1. KlutzyWinter830 (FL)
2. ELiTE x RisKz
3. SotierClock110
4. OwenHowell36
5. ARL PReDaToRZz
6. DPT Paul
7. LP Smoke
8. SLR Liamm
9. Hamy is best (RET)
10. SLR Semm (DNF)
11. SLR Morgan (DNF)
12. Darren l 22 (RET)
13. rockamad73 (RET)
14. SLR Vandoorne (DNF)
15. DPT Alfie (DNF)
16. SLR Bennett3810 (DNF)
In division 2 Monte Carlo threw up some mixed weather conditions in qualifying Q1 and Q2 were dry but we’d have a downpour for Q3 with the track worsening throughout it was a case of who can get a good clean lap in early on the intermediate tyres before it became to tricky and slippery and the full west were needed.
It was J Lee Menz taking his first pole in SLR 3 tenths ahead of MasseyF1 joining him on the front row of the grid. SLR Lofty would take a season high 3rd on the grid with SLR EVVO alongside.
To the race and the front two were starting on the medium compound of tyre well the second row on the softs hoping for a good launch of the line.
It was mostly a clean getaway with a few in behind missing braking points and banging wheels.
Lap 2 however was a slightly different story, SLR Teddy would lose it at the swimming pool and no safety car and drivers somewhat refusing to slow under yellows meant a massive pile up would occur where we lost 5 drivers.
We did then have a VSC and on the restart MasseyF1 would take advantage of J Lee Menz slowing to keep his delta positive and overtook him to take the lead.
And that was the way the order stayed until the first round of pit stops. Top 4 only ones not to put in the early stages and then SLR Leah pulled the trigger on lap 10 switching to the mediums and pulling off an undercut on EVVO and DOPH1N ahead who would pit in the next couple of laps.
As LSW L3G3ND lost it meaning we were down to just 10.
On the pit exit EVVO managed to sweep past SLR DOLP1N well he was just exiting the pits. EVVO looking very up for it in the next couple of laps and Menz taking some damage meant a train was formed as EVVO threw it up the inside of Leah at the chicane and was given some very respectable room to do so.
MasseyF1 was now out in front with a 30 second lead yet to pit. I’m behind EVVO was getting his head down now having clear air as SLR DOLP1N was getting frustrated behind SLR Leah. Meanwhile after an early pit Zachisbeast was working his way back to getting in the higher points positions.
With 10 laps left we were down to 8 drivers and a couple of mistakes from EVVO and Leah meant they had to pit releasing SLR DOLPH1N and Zachisbeast.
EVVO would then lose his wing again. Which would push him back from P2 down to P5.
Out front a very steady and assured performance from MasseyF1 who cruised to the win really. Amazingly Zachisbeast managed to close within 3 seconds of DOLPH1N despite being 10 seconds behind with 3 laps left so he would jump him to take P2 and DOLPH1N P3. SLR Leah would take 4th contact between SLR Jack and EVVO in the closing stages meant both pitted but Jack would take P5. SLR EVVO P6. And last weeks race winner dRaSt1k bLazE would round out the only finishers in P7
So well done to MasseyF1 on the win and to all finishers. I think we learned to be very cautious and aware of yellow flags on track in future even more so on street circuits where we head next at Baku
Qualifying
Pole Lap: 01.21.314
1. J Lee Menz
2. Massey F1
3. SLR Lofty
4. SLR EVVO
5. SLR Dolph1n
6. dRaSt1k bLazE
7. SLR Leah
8. James I 17 I
9. SLR Jack
10. SLR Dodgy
11. SLR Teddy
12. GoldenEggFryer
13. LSW L3g3nd44
14. SLR Hicklin
15. ZachIsBeast25
16. Skiman112
Race
Fastest Lap: 01.10.400 SLR EVVO
1. Massey F1
2. ZchIsBeast25
3. SLR Dolph1n
4. SLR Leah
5. SLR Jack
6. SLR EVVO
7. dRaSt1k bLazE
8. SLR Lofty (DNF)
9. J Lee Menz (DNF) Qualifying ban
10. SLR Kiara (DNF)
11. LSW L3g3nd44 (DNF)
12. SLR Dodgy (DNF)
13. SLR Hicklin (DNF)
14. Skiman112 (DNF)
15. James I 17 I (DNF) Qualifying ban
16. GoldenEggFryer (DNF)
17. SLR Teddy (DNF) Qualifying ban
Incident - Blaze vs James
Outcome - 10 Seconds And 2LP to James
Reason - tries to overtake blaze at the start but tries to go in a space not wide enough for his car, this means he hits blaze and this give him front and rear wing damage.
Incident - Blaze and Teddy
Outcome - 15 Seconds And 3LP to Teddy
Reason - Teddy makes a huge dive bomb move on blaze and hits him which nearly forces blaze into a wall.
Incident - Zachisbeast vs Menz
Outcome - 15 Seconds and 3LP to Menz
Reason - Menz tries a dive bomb and hits zach and spins him out which also gives zach wing damage.
Incident - Blaze vs Lofty - Lap 21
Outcome - 5 Seconds And 1LP to Lofty
Reason - Lofty brakes to late and hits blaze in the rear.Fortunately this happened at the end of the tunnel so Blaze didn’t suffer any damage.
Incident - Blaze vs Lofty - Lap 22
Outcome - 5 Seconds and 1LP
Reason - Lofty again brakes to late and read ends Blaze and blaze is lucky not to hit a wall due to this.
Stewards note - Lofty gets 2 free appeals as while the incidents were sent in before the deadline, they were only put in the “under investigation” channel just before the stewards meeting, we feel it would be fair to lofty to allow him to give his side of the incidents if he wishes without losing appeal tokens.
Welcome back to slr division 3 in Monaco after a sf1 moley victory in Spain.
So qualifying went as follows skullkiller in p1 and slr colden just behind in p2 slr j3st3r in p3 and sf1 moley in p4 gregers uk in p5 cow3n in p6, unrealsalmon in p7 slr Gareth in p8, baggiefan in p9 and xjgeddes in p10
So the 5 red lights are out and skullkiller leads us away and baggiefan Jumps the start and has a drive through penalty to serve already and colden in p2 doesn’t get off the line very well and drops to p4. T1 results in a massive crash including 5 cars getting damage and Scott laney is disqualified from the race for driving the wrong way. It is still lap 1 and slr colden spins coming into the tunnel and lose his entire wing and drops all the way to back in p19 and slr Gareth gets a 10 second penalty for corner cutting and that could really effect his race. Cosmic Cameron has made up 11 places in lap 1 from p20 to p9. Massive crashes as gregers and nealix collect each other and nealix picks up a 10 second penalty.
Kopkidjack becomes the 2nd retired car in this race.
Lap 3 and nedklaw has now crashed out in sector 3. Slr gareth spins coming out of the last corner and drop to p13. Slr j3st3r and cow3n are battling for 3rd place but j3st3r cannot make a way past. Lap 6 and slr sprightly has spun but doesn’t lose a position but does get a bit of damage. Sprightly has now pitted for a new wing and drops to p13.
Skullkiller is 7.7 seconds away in front it looks like he is really enjoying these wet conditions.
Slr colden has spun again in the tunnel and drops to p14 and picks up a 3 second pen. Unrealsalmon and maxwell are battling for p8.
Slr colden has spun again for the third time in p17 and that could be his chances gone for a point.
The race seems to have really settled down now on lap 10 as the field is really spread out. Yellow flags now and cosmic Cameron has now spun in p16 and a couple of seconds later p10 baggiefan spins out after trying to close the gap to his teammate. Slr Russel gets another 3 second penalty now. Sprightly has lost all traction and spun out after making a decent attempt at a recovery drive. Lap 11 and maxwell goes really wide at the hairpin and taps the wall and loses out a position to unrealsalmon. The weather seems to be drying out a
Maxwell decides to pit on lap 13 for intermediate tyres, cow3n now also pits but has to do a wing change which could definitely lose his p3 to j3st3r. The leader skullkiller decides to pit now and gives j3st3r the lead. Cow3n now sets the fastest lap of the race now in p4.
Lap 16 unrealsalmon spins but doesn’t get any wing damage and on the same lap j3st3r now decides to pit and comes out in p3. Skullkiller looks very comfortable in the lead and it looks like no one will be catching him. Slr Russell now spins out but has a 34 second gap to the car behind so he has plenty of time to regain the position. Xjgeddes is really hunting cow3n down now for p4. Slr j3st3r has now caught moley and will be trying to make a move into p2 sometime soon. Gregers has now spun out and his car is in the way of j3st3r and moley and that will of lost them a good few seconds. Slr colden has now retired in the race after having a very good qualifying. Maxwell has spun from p9 and drop to p11 and out of the points! Gregers makes a very interesting pit stop as he puts on the medium compound tyres in the wet.
Lap 23 and there is very close battling between slr st2oh and slr Russell for p6 and slr j3st3r makes a very good move up into p2 after overtaking moley in the hairpin. Cosmic Cameron makes the 5th retirement of the race after he crashes out in p16 and sprightly takes the fastest lap of the race with a 1:24. Slr j3st3r now takes the fastest
lap of the race on lap 25 which could be another vital point.
Lap 28 and drs has been enabled which means it is time for dry tyres. Slr st2oh and slr Russell are the first drivers to stop for dry tyres. The gap now is only 2 seconds between j3st3r and skullkiller so this will be a very close finish. Everybody on the grid has a time penalty apart from the top 3 which could really secure there podium. Skullkiller makes a very deep entrance to the last corner and allows j3st3r to come into his drs. Sprightly now takes the fastest lap and Instantly is taken away by skullkiller.
Lap 33 and geddes makes a fantastic move past cow3n in to p4. Slr Russell now pits on lap 34 for another set of softs and drops 3 places. Slr j3st3r makes a mistake and loses a full second to skullkiller which gives him a little more breathing space. Skullkiller retains the fastest lap once more! Slr Gareth is really pushing baggiefan to the limit for p7 and his 7 lap old softs. Lap 37 and baggiefan has now spun after being under pressure from Gareth but does only lose that one position, as maxwell and nealix have another coming together after battling for p11. Maxwell pits for the final time after losing his full front wing!
Onto the final lap and skullkiller takes his second slr win with slr j3st3r in p2 sf1 moley in p3 geddes in p4 cow3n in p5 slr st2oh in p6 baggie fan in p7 unrealsalmon p8 and slr Gareth in p9 and finally slr Russell in p10.
Join us next week in Baku!
Qualifying
Pole Lap: 01.09.821
1. Skullkiller1014
2. SLR Colden
3. SLR J3st3r
4. SF1 Moley
5. Gregers UK
6. COw3n
7. UnrealSalmon590
8. SLR Gareth
9. Baggiefan 1995
10. x J Geddes x
11. SLR Nealix
12. Scott85Laney
13. SLR St2oH
14. SLR Spr1tley
15. KopKidJack2005
16. I21I Maxwell
17. SLR Stevooo
18. SLR Russell
19. I Cxmzn I
20. Nedklaw
Race
Fastest Lap: 01.12.668 SLR Spr1tley
1. Skullkiller1014
2. SLR J3st3r
3. SF1 Moley
4. x J Geddes x
5. COw3n
6. SLR St2oH
7. Baggiefan 1995
8. UnrealSalmon590
9. SLR Gareth
10. SLR Russell
11. SLR Nealix
12. SLR Stevooo
13. Gregers UK
14. SLR Spr1tley
15. I21I Maxwell
16. I Cxmzn I (DNF)
17. SLR Colden (DNF)
18. Nedklaw (DNF)
19. KopKidJack2005 (DNF)
20. Scott85Laney (DNF)
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