Why does the Monaco Grand Prix have grid girls and has F1 brought them back?
THE Monaco Grand Prix is undoubtedly the one race of the year that every driver dreams of winning.
Just like the Indy 500 or Le Mans, it stands alone in its own sport.
The Armco barrier-lined street circuit leaves no margin for error, demanding more concentration that any other Formula One track.
Cars run with maximum downforce and brakes are worked hard. Overtaking is next to impossible so qualifying in Monaco is more critical than at any other grand prix.
And unlike virtually all the other grand prix races this Sunday's event will feature grid girls, ditched by FI bosses who say their presence does not fit in with brand values and modern day “societal norms”.
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So how is it that Monaco will defy the sport's rulers and welcome grid girls this weekend?
Monaco is a special case in that it has more control over what happens on the grid.
LEW BEAUTY Lewis Hamilton welcomes return of controversial grid girls at Monaco GP
Both male and female representatives of watch maker Tag Heuer — a sponsor of the Monaco GP — will be on the grid before lights out.
But they won’t hold placards revealing each driver’s number, which is what grid girls did before the practice was cut this season.
Has F1 brought grid girls back? Is any other circuit considering using them this season?
No, the grid girls are not back universally. But other races have also been lobbying F1 owners Liberty.
The Russian Grand Prix is among a number of races calling for the return of grid girls, following the ban announced by Formula 1 in January.
The Singapore GP organisers are also pushing to allow the country's national airline staff - who are regarded as ambassadors for the race - to continue to participate.
Several races are seeking a compromise which could see girls return to the grid, possibly while the grid kids - an innovation for this year - continue to hold the driver sign boards.
Do the drivers support Monaco's stance?
Yes. Lewis Hamilton has welcomed the return of the "beautiful" grid girls for this weekend's glamorous race.
He said: "I think women are the most beautiful thing in the world.
"When we pull up on the grid and there is beautiful women on the grid, that's the Monaco Grand Prix, that's a lovely thing.
"But I definitely don't think we should ever be supporting or pushing these women in general to feel uncomfortable and if they are then they shouldn't do it."
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Hamilton's rival at Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel, also supported the return of the grid girls, saying it was unnecessary that they were given the boot.
Vettel added: "I think the whole thing has been blown up because I don't think any of the grid girls in the past were forced to do it. I think they enjoyed what they were doing.
"I agree with Lewis: I like women, I think they look beautiful. If it was guys I was just not interested