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Louis Chiron is the first Monegasque to win the Grand Prix in Monaco
In a few days it will be time. Then a very special event will mark the 90th anniversary. 90 years ago, on April 19, 1931, Louis Chiron won third place in a Bugatti Type 51. Monaco Grand Prix. He was the first Monegasque to win at a home Grand Prix.
Auto racing on public roads
Even then, today's traditional circuit was considered a major challenge for the drivers, and a win in Monaco was a special achievement. Strictly speaking, the race does not take place on a racetrack, but on public roads.
The route resembles a wild ascent and descent and is one of the most demanding driver routes of all. In 1931 the starting line-up was drawn by lot. 28 racing drivers line up, 24 start, 16 of them in Bugatti vehicles, four of which are works drivers.
Louis Chiron initially stays in the front midfield before continuously fighting his way forward. After 100 laps of 3,18 kilometers each, only 9 vehicles reach the finish line. After three hours and 39 minutes, Chiron is the first to cross the finish line.
Louis Chiron was considered an exceptional talent
The racing driver Louis Chiron was born in Monte Carlo on August 3, 1899 and was already enthusiastic about engines and motor sports as a teenager. At the age of 15 he learned to drive a car. He competed in his first races in a private Bugatti in 1925 and was able to celebrate his first successes in smaller races and mountain races as early as 1927 and 1928. Chiron is developing into a new star with its Bugatti Type 35 C and its successor, the Type 51.
Chiron went from victory to victory, winning the 1928 Grand Prix in Rome, Marne, San Sebastian, Spain, the European Grand Prix in Monza and finally the 1931 Monaco Grand Prix – his most significant success.
Bugatti Type 51 is a technical masterpiece
As a further development of the Type 35 B, the Type 51 relies on a 2,3-liter eight-cylinder in-line engine with up to 190 hp. The power output is made possible, among other things, by a new engine block and a cylinder head with two camshafts driven via front rims for a quick gas exchange.
The five-bearing crankshaft is equipped with modified ball and roller bearings. A Roots compressor provides more air in the combustion chambers up to high speeds. This racing car, which weighs around 230 kilograms, travels at almost 850 km/h. The light, manoeuvrable and powerful racing cars feel at home on the street circuit. For quick refueling, the Type 51 has two filler necks at the rear. Talents like Louis Chiron ensure fast driving.
Exceptional route in Monaco
Even then, the race in Monaco was of particular importance in motorsport. It all started very small: in the mid-1920s, the General Commissioner of the Monaco Automobile Club, Anthony Noghès, had the idea of organizing a race through the middle of the city. He plans and ponders, spends years convincing decision-makers. Louis Chiron was enthusiastic about the idea and was instrumental in organizing the first Monaco Grand Prix.
Monaco is the Formula 1 highlight of the racing season
Today, the Monaco Grand Prix with its street circuit is the highlight of every Formula 1 season – and, along with the 500 miles in Indianapolis and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is one of the most famous car races in the world. The track has been part of Formula 1950 since 1. And since 1955, the race has been held annually in the pinnacle of motorsport.
Today's distance is 260,52 kilometers, the racers cover 78 laps.
Until 2018, Louis Chiron remains the only Monegasque to ever score points in a Formula 1 race and is also the oldest Grand Prix participant to have ever taken part in a Formula 1 World Championship race.
He drove his last Grand Prix race in 1955 at the age of 55 years and 288 days. On his home track, of course, the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. In 2016, Bugatti named its hyper sports car after the exceptional racing driver.
Image/Text credit: bugatti.com