With the engines set to roar back to life in Monaco, the Automobile Club de Monaco has delivered its final briefing to the hundreds of volunteer marshals who will be tasked with keeping three major race weekends running safely and smoothly.
A total of 720 marshals gathered at the Grimaldi Forum on Thursday, April 2, for a last round of instructions ahead of a packed calendar that includes the Historic Grand Prix from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, the E-Prix on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7.
The session followed a training weekend in March and served as the final opportunity to fine tune procedures before the season begins in earnest. It also marked the arrival of 46 new recruits joining what organisers repeatedly describe as one of the most experienced and respected marshal corps in world motorsport.
Although absent in person, ACM president Michel Boeri addressed the room via video message, reminding marshals of the high standards expected of them. He stressed that their reputation as the best in the business comes with an obligation to be flawless, particularly under the constant gaze of television cameras. He also reiterated practical safety reminders, including the importance of maintaining distance from trackside barriers that can shift dramatically in the event of an impact.
Attention then turned to the specifics of each event. ACM chief marshal Éric Barrabino outlined schedules and highlighted a notable addition to the 15th Historic Grand Prix, where Formula 1 Ferraris from the late 1990s and 2000s will take part in a demonstration parade, adding a touch of nostalgia to the weekend. Eight racing series are set to compete across the event.
Barrabino also issued a clear warning ahead of the all electric E-Prix. While the cars are capable of reaching speeds of up to 320 km per hour, their near silent approach presents a different kind of risk for trackside officials. For Formula 1, he predicted a closely fought contest, aided by smaller cars this season, while ongoing discussions at FIA level could yet see limits placed on electrical power output. One confirmed change is the return to a single mandatory pit stop during the race.
Safety remained the dominant theme throughout the evening. Lieutenant Colonel Maxime Yvrard, head of Monaco’s fire and rescue service, praised the marshals for their role alongside emergency crews and underlined the shared objective of ensuring that no one is injured over the course of the events. He warned that long hours and lapses in concentration can have serious consequences.
Commandant Stéphane Vincent reinforced that message, detailing the scale of the emergency response that will be deployed around the circuit and urging marshals not to underestimate the importance of their responsibilities. The goal, he said, is simple: that everyone leaves with memories of the spectacle rather than incidents.
From a medical standpoint, Dr Paulmier confirmed that the healthcare setup will remain unchanged, both trackside and in the grandstands. He described the marshal corps as an elite group shaped by rigorous selection and training, and emphasised that teams are prepared for worst case scenarios even as they hope for quiet race weekends.
The briefing concluded with an address from Christophe Fabri, who steps into the role previously held by the widely respected Jean Michel Matas. Speaking directly to the new recruits, Fabri highlighted the demands of the role and the values it requires, including discipline, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility. He reminded all marshals that safety must never be taken for granted and that every decision on track carries weight.
Closing on a note of unity, Fabri called for vigilance, professionalism and solidarity, insisting that the success of Monaco’s flagship events depends on collective effort. The evening ended, as tradition dictates, with a group photograph of the latest intake of marshals, marking their official entry into one of motorsport’s most demanding volunteer roles.