© Visit Monaco
Monaco history on land & in water
This weekend will see the heritage and tradition of racing cars and boats in Monaco
Since 1997, the principality of Monaco has celebrated its long history in motor racing with the Historic Grand Prix. Taking place several weeks before the legendary Monaco GP, this event showcases some of the classic racing cars from the sports exciting history.
This year Anthony Beltoise will pay homage to his father, racing driver Jean-Pierre Beltoise, by taking part in the 2016 Historic Grand Prix at the wheel of a MATRA MS 120. From 13th to 15th May 2016, the French driver will take to the racetrack in a car that is identical to the one his father drove in the 1970 season of the Formula 1 World Championship. Beltoise, Matra, Monaco – these are three names that have made their mark on the world of motor racing.
Anthony Beltoise saiys, "I naturally wanted to follow in his footsteps and become a racing driver, which I have been for more than 20 years now. It's thanks to him, and I wanted to pay tribute to him – Monaco and Matra soon seemed the obvious choice. It will be very moving to drive that car on such a legendary circuit, which was full of meaning for my father and symbolic for those close to him."
Whilst the vintage racing cars take to the infamous Monaco GP course, Riva racing boats will take to the waters of Monaco.
In 1935, Serafino Riva, father of the great “Ingegnere” Carlo Riva, was commissioned to build the Riva Ronzino, one of only six inboard racers built in the small, though already famous, shipyard in Sarnico. Since then, Serafino, continued to design and build racers, and passed this passion on to Carlo. Nowadays, these racing boats are part of a vintage category (boats from 1935 to the 70s), and classic category (boats from 1974 to 1995).
Establishing the company in Monaco in 1959, Carlo Riva was integral in the creation of the legendary Riva tunnel at Port Hercule. It is at this historical venue that Lia Riva (granddaughter of Serafino), together with the Riva shipyard, will present "Historic Racing Boats by Riva," exclusively, during the 10th Monaco Historic Grand Prix. This will be a unique retrospective, dedicated to classic and vintage racing boats, and will be held from 13th to 15th May 2016.
