The 15th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique got underway this Friday, April 24, with free practice sessions for all eight categories. Several drivers, including Jean Alesi at the wheel of the Ferrari 312, ran into trouble.
Spectators in the grandstands and the Paddock of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique certainly got their money’s worth. In fact, they didn’t have to spend a single cent, as Friday’s action was completely free to attend.
Throughout the day, the eight free practice sessions kept the track busy, while fans had the chance to get up close to the cars in the Paddock. On the track, the drivers didn’t take it easy, quite the opposite, in fact. With two red flags and several cars needing to be recovered, marshals were also kept busy throughout the day.
Alesi in trouble, Lyons in form
Competing in Series D at the wheel of a 1969 Ferrari 312, Jean Alesi did not enjoy the start to the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique like he had hoped. The 1995 Canadian Grand Prix winner ran into trouble at the chicane du Port, damaging the front of his car and forcing him to retire. Several drivers made mistakes at this corner, while others were forced to stop due to mechanical issues.
Michael Lyons, competing in three series (D, E and F), enjoyed a much stronger Friday. He set the fastest time in Series D in his Surtees TS9, and also topped Series F at the wheel of a Hesketh 308E. In Series E, the historic racing specialist finished (only) second in a McLaren M26.
Qualifying up next!
From tomorrow, the drivers will be racing against the clock during the qualifying sessions. These promise plenty of excitement and adrenaline, just like in the qualifying sessions of the era.
The Cavallino Classic Monaco Ferrari Parade, dedicated to Scuderia Ferrari, will make its debut on the Circuit de Monaco. Twelve single-seaters from the Prancing Horse, along with the 1968 Ferrari 312 F1 driven by Jacky Ickx, will take to the track between 12:45 pm and 1:50 pm.
Saturday’s action will also be broadcast live on the YouTube channel of the Automobile Club de Monaco, with one stream in the morning and another in the afternoon. You can also follow the whole day via our “Live” coverage!
Published on:24 April 2026