Literally, Grand Prix means big prize. This French word was first used for the race held at Le Mans in 1906 which was named the GrandPrix de l' Automobile Club de France. Thereafter all sorts of circuit races were called 'Grand Prix. 

On 14^th of April 1929, the first Monaco Grand Prix took place and La Vie Automobile wrote, "It goes without saying that the track is made up entirely of ends, steep uphill climbs and fast downhill runs. Any respectable traffic system would have covered the track with 'Danger' sign posts left, right and centre." 

The winding streets of Monte Carlo are the venue of the Monaco Grand Prix which is also characterized by the dangerously close distance between the speeding Formula One cars and the race spectators. The spectators are treated to the excitement of screaming engines, smoking tires and the excellent capabilities of the drivers in negotiating the 263-kilometre race which has a twisting 77-lap circuit. Any error on the part of the driver can prove to be very catastrophic. 

The exterior design of the cars taking part in the Grand Prix was made very simple without the bright side trims but with a lower rocker molding. A “chequered flag” badge adorned the front on a grille of fine-mesh design. It also had a unique full-width molding similar to the grille design beautifying the rear panel. 

Morrokide-covered bucket seats, console, floor shift, tachometer, and rear speaker were the features that made the interior very sporty and luxurious. Pontiac's gorgeous 8 lug wheels could also be fitted and either three or four speed manual or automatic transmission system were used.

All through the 2001 season, there was great emphasis worldwide on the telecasts of the Grand Prix racing events. However, these events did get affected by the turbulent happenings throughout the world in the following years. 

The popularity of Grand prix can be gauged by the fact that nearly 400 participants from the United States and Canada take part in this self-regulating event. On 22^nd May 2005, Kimi Raikkonen driving a McLaren-Mercedes won the 63rd Grand Prix and Nick Heidfeld and Mark Webber finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. 

The Grand Prix is indeed a very dangerous sport and there have been many untoward incidents in spite of the tight turns. One such incident involved a competitor, Alberto Ascari, who was spun off the track and landed straight into the harbor. Luckily he was rescued unhurt from his Ferrari, although he was obviously drenched in the water. The Grand Prix stands out as the world’s most exciting and challenging motor-racing event.However, the Monaco Grand Prix is the only remaining ‘street course’ as far as Formula One racing is concerned.