Monaco,
May 3 & 4, 1997
There are not many
racers who ever get the chance to pilot a
car through the narrow streets of Monaco.
And it is even more unusual for a
non-racer to get a chance to join a
professional driver on the passenger's
seat for a fast ride on this famous
parcours, which was used for racing for
the first time in 1929.
During the Monaco
Historic Grand Prix in May 1997, the
author had the chance to join Emanuele
Pirro in a 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Spider for
a blast across the little principality.
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 |
| On the start-finish
straight - a few seconds earlier I had
climbed into the open sportscar -
Emanuele starts the 375 MM full throttle
and lets the 340 horses of the more than
40 years old car gallop. |
 |
| Shortly before
reaching St. Devote, he rapidly shifts
down with double-clutch and forces the
Ferrari through the corner in a drift, |
 |
| and then we take
the Beau Rivage up to the casino. The
acceleration of the car is impressive! |
 |
| Some seconds later,
the casino can be seen on the right side
for a blink. |
 |
| Downhill (like
shown here at Mirabeau), it seems to go
even more faster. Pirro professionally
steers the Ferrari through the corners by
just using the gas pedal. |
 |
| Most impressive is
the drift across Loews corner. My
"chauffeur" turns the wheel
hard to catch the outbreaking tail. Then
we enter the tunnel - a special
experience since I do not wear a helmet
nor ear-plugs! |
 |
| Having passed the
chicane in the harbor, we blast past the
public swimming pool.
The normal spectator cannot
see what the rear of the pits looks like.
|
 |
| Emanuele steering
the car across Rascasse corner. |
 |
Shortly before
reaching the straight, I realize that our
ride already is to be over soon.
Too bad! |
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