As if Formula One was not glamorous enough, this weekend in Monaco the sport's finest rub shoulders with some of the few people possessing bigger bank balances.

Monaco, the jewel in the crown of Formula One, is the one race guaranteed to attract the rich and famous like no other, at a venue like nothing else on earth.

Monaco is rarely short on glamour but even in a tax haven where Ford Fiestas are a rarer sight than Ferraris, Formula One brings that special something.

An unholy alliance between the richest sport on earth and a gambling-funded principality produces a spectacle unrivalled in motorsport.

This year, as always, will be bigger, better and bolder, especially when it comes to motorhomes.

Red Bull, as always, are leading the way and boast a Superman-themed floating palace which was shipped 15 miles down the Cote D'Azur from Beaulieu-sur-Mer earlier this week.

That spectacle was only marginally more outrageous than some of the yachts already moored in the world's most exclusive paddling pool.

With all those distractions, it's easy to forget there is the serious business of racing this weekend.

For all the talk of glamour and spectacle, Monaco rarely delivers a classic race.

Those all-too-close Armco barriers might look great on television but they hardly encourage even the bravest racers to take a risk and make a pass.

When tracks wider than a six-lane motorway offer few opportunities to overtake, what chance a tiny ribbon of tarmac winding its way from five-star hotel to exclusive nightclub?

Ordinarily, that lack of overtaking action would diminish the spectacle - not so come qualifying on Saturday. After several years of pedestrian one-lap qualifying, drivers have to earn their money on a Saturday afternoon this season, never more so than at Monaco.

With 22 cars jostling for a clean lap in first qualifying, the Monaco streets will be busier than rush hour - and road rage is the surefire consequence.

In just 15 minutes the drivers must find enough clear space to avoid the cut, which condemns six men to starting from the back.

More so than any other track, Monaco offers the real possibility of a big name brought down to earth.

That, more so than the glitz and glamour of Formula One's expensive accessories and well-heeled hangers-on, will be a true sporting spectacle.