iRacing: The Monaco Debate

There are circuits that need no introduction. Just mentioning their names brings with it an emotional charge, a sense of history, and a spark of controversy. Monaco is, without a doubt, one of them. Its name alone provokes a cascade of reactions, from purist admiration to blunt rejection. And rightly so—this is one of motorsport’s most iconic tracks, but also one of the most complex to bring into a platform like iRacing.

The Undeniable Allure of Monaco

For many, including the Monte Carlo circuit in a sim is not just a matter of gameplay. It’s symbolic. It’s about having a living piece of motorsport history at home, on your screen. Just imagining driving through the swimming pool section, circling the Casino, or descending to Mirabeau with surgical precision has a special charm. And that charm multiplies in low-powered cars, where precision and rhythm can truly shine.

Hot lapping in Monaco, with no traffic and no racing pressure, could become one of the most intense experiences in sim racing. It’s a track that punishes relentlessly but rewards mastery. It’s the kind of layout that demands respect—and for those who value the art of driving, that’s a huge incentive.

The Elephant in the Room: Online Racing Reality

That said, just look at what happens on other street circuits. Long Beach, Detroit, or Chicago often turn into minefields by the first few turns of every race. Would Monaco be any different? I doubt it. If order is already difficult to maintain on wider layouts, expecting Monaco to behave differently is a risky bet. The frustration of having a great qualifying time ruined by a lap-one pile-up would become a frequent reality.

We also can’t ignore the licensing issue. Monaco is neither cheap nor easy to negotiate. It appears to be tied—explicitly or not—to bigger franchises. Combine that with the logistical challenges of laser scanning a public street circuit that’s only temporarily assembled, and you’ve got a tough situation.

What’s to Gain and What’s to Lose?

Adding Monaco would be a statement. A marketing gem, no doubt. But its practical value might fade quickly. How many would buy it? Likely many. How many would regularly use it in official races? Far fewer. So, is that symbolic value greater than the value of other tracks that provide better racing experiences? That’s where the scale begins to tip.

From an emotional perspective, I want Monaco in iRacing. I’d love to lap it solo, savoring each corner with the millimetric precision it demands. But from a rational standpoint, I understand why it’s not in the sim—and maybe why it shouldn’t be… at least not yet.

But that tension between what we dream and what we can—or should—do is, in the end, part of sim racing’s magic. Because we’re not just driving virtual cars. We’re debating, imagining, and longing. Monaco, at the end of the day, is more than just a track. It’s a symbol. And maybe that’s why this debate will never end.

• Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.

Happy Racing!