Button wins Monaco Grand Prix

We're sure you don't need Monaco IQ to tell you that Jenson Button won the Monaco Grand Prix yesterday.

Jenson Button's Brawn F1 car at the Monaco Grand PrixMonaco IQ's bird's eye view of Button

From pole position, Button led the race for all but one of the 78 laps, only temporarily ceding the lead to Raikkonen after his second pit stop. It was a fantastic day with perfect May weather.

There were still tickets available on Sunday morning, in fact an estimated 30% of ticket sales this year were made on the race days. Initial calculations indicate between 10% and 20% fewer spectators than in 2008, which isn't as bad as initially expected. But clearly the global economic problems will have affected takings for the 67th Monaco Grand Prix. Worst hit are the private terraces, many of which were closed due to the vastly reduced demand for corporate hospitality. Traditionally agents rent out apartments overlooking the track to banks which treat their employees to non-stop champagne and a day watching the race. In the current financial climate, many companies are either unwilling or unable to commit to such spending.

But for the lucky 180 000 or so spectators this year, it was a superb day. Bright sunshine and a party atmosphere. If you love Formula 1 try to make it next year.