Right about now, were it not for the coronavirus pandemic, a few lucky people (maybe even myself if the work load allowed), would have left the Monaco paddock by the harbour entrance, turned left along the waterfront and headed up to the outside of Rascasse to watch free practice.
From there, we would have turned right along the water's edge, behind the huge grandstand and, with a knowing nod from the sunglasses-wearing security guards who checks you are wearing the right pass, entered the hallowed turf of trackside by the Swimming Pool.
Standing anywhere here, as close as you dare to the catch fencing as the cars blast past, is one of the greatest thrills that you can get covering F1. Sure the challenge of the complex has been taken away over the years as the barriers have been moved back for safety reasons, but the commitment required from the drivers is still immense. And the speed and intensity of F1 cars at such proximity is unbelievable.