My Hotel Geek

Since its debut in 1929 as one of the earliest Grand Prix races, Monaco has captured the attention of even the least enthusiastic of motor-racing imaginations. There is no setting in the world quite like the cliffs, luxurious homes and buildings that form the race’s backdrop, the harbor filled with multimillion-dollar yachts and the rich and glamorous crowd that the race attracts every year.

With oil price that rose above $130 a barrel earlier this month and guestrooms in Monaco in the 1500-2000 € range per night for luxurious hotels, this event is really not in line with what is happening on our planet. The biggest issue with Le Grand Prix de Monaco and F1 is the reduction of the output of CO2. F1 has started this year to be green as most of their sponsors have green committees, they did not have much choice!

This season sees the first step in such moves, as cars must use biofuel, or fuel made from organic rather than fossil matter, for the first time. In line with the European Union objective for road-car fuel in 2010, racing fuel will now have to contain 5.7 percent biofuel. Another new rule this year eliminates a previously obligatory 10-minute period during qualifying when the cars did nothing but burn off fuel.

Next season, a device designed to save the car’s kinetic energy during deceleration and then to use it in short power bursts – thus saving on fuel – will be instituted. Other “clean” technology systems, including one using heat from the engines to produce extra power, are in the works.

Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose Formula One race is a symbol of both the sport and the principality, has vowed that the race would become greener, and he wants the cars to use more environmentally friendly engines.

I love Monaco, I have been there 3 years ago and stayed at our hotel, The Fairmont Monte Carlo. It’s a great place to visit and I look forward to reading more about the new F1 rules and green initiatives that will really make a huge difference for our planet.