80 Years of Monaco GP: The Shot Winner and Picasso

class=”sc-29f61514-0 kHgAwW”>

No other Formula 1 race generates as much fascination as the Monte Carlo GP classic. Only comparable to the Indy 500 (on Sunday) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans (in two weeks).

Most fans also know the Mediterranean circuit by name: St-Devote, Massenet, Casino, Mirabeau, Loews Hairpin, Tunnel, Port Chicane, Tabac Corner, Swimming Pool, Rascasse, Ziel.

This time the race celebrates its 80th anniversary. The first Grand Prix took place in 1929: At the time, it was mainly private drivers who had money for an expensive hobby. Like William Grover.

A spy as the first winner

He won under the pseudonym “Williams” in a Bugatti after 100 laps and nearly four hours. The first winner was a spy for the British and French – and was later shot by the Nazis.

Due to the war, Monaco was no longer on the calendar between 1937 and 1948. In 1950, the race of the rich and famous was part of the World Cup for the first time.

A contemporary witness, photographer Edward Quinn, recalls in a book worth seeing “Monaco 1950 bis 1965”: “I was standing in Tabac because tobacco was still being sold there. Three cars were accelerating at the same time. I kept the camera as still as possible. The first car, I think it was Nino Farina, scraped against the wall and crashed into the wall right under my feet. Eventually everyone bumped into everyone.”

Blurred photos

Nine broken down cars – and an awakening for Quinn: “I was shaking so much that all the pictures were blurry!”

Soon after, Quinn met Pablo Picasso and photographed him numerous times. Always sharp. Their friendship, including on the track, lasted until Picasso’s death in 1973.

Source : Blick