Maserati Monaco Sports Group (MSG) Racing endured another pointless weekend in Brazil, with the Monégasque team’s pace once again going unrewarded.

MSG have shown improvements in recent races, not that that has manifested itself in points. The Monégasque brand, racing under the name ROKiT Venturi Racing, were in contention for the constructors’ championship last year.

This year, they have a mere three points, ahead of only the pointless ABT Cupra team. The championship leaders, Tag Heuer Porsche, are 141 points ahead.

Qualifying performance unconverted

Once again, MSG showed pace in qualifying, which allowed both cars to qualify in the top 10. Edoardo Mortara, who was so close to the title last year, began Saturday’s race in Sao Paulo in fourth, but he immediately ran into trouble, quite literally.

The Swiss driver went into the back of Mitch Evans in a turn-one pile-up, forcing him to pit for repairs. Mortara picked his way through the field, reaching 13th position before contact with Abt’s Nico Müller sent him spinning into the barriers and out of the race.

Maximilian Günther, who had begun the race in ninth, was in competition for a smattering of points but saw himself pipped by Sébastien Buemi on lap 28, which saw the German driver drop to 11th.

“With the mistakes, the results we’re achieving don’t reflect what we know we’re capable of.”

A weekend that held much promise ultimately delivered nothing tangible for MSG, who depart Brazil with no more points in the bag, much to the frustration of team principal James Rossiter.

“The team deserved better today, especially after the hard work since Cape Town. We pulled together and delivered a fast car, that much is clear from qualifying. But with the mistakes, the results we’re achieving don’t reflect what we know we’re capable of,” said MSG’s team principal.

MSG will be looking for improvement during a double-header in Berlin on 22-23 April, before heading for their home race, in Monaco, on 6th May.

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Photo by Maserati MSG Racing

Prince Albert, his sister Caroline Princess of Hanover, and members of the Princely family gathered on Saturday night for one of the year’s biggest social events, the Bal de la Rose.

Guests were welcomed to the Salle des Etoiles at the Sporting for a night of Bollywood, the theme chosen by the Princess of Hanover, President of the Princess Grace Foundation, and realised by her friend Christian Louboutin.

Joining Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Princess of Hanover were her four children: Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi, with their wives Tatiana and Beatrice, Charlotte Casiraghi, and Princess Alexandra of Hanover with her partner Ben-Sylvester Strautmann.

*Prince Albert II with Caroline, Princess of Hanover, with Christian Louboutin (far left) and SBM CEO Stephane Valeri (far right). Photo courtesy SBM/Palais Princier*

Christian Louboutin had carte blanche for the high-profile event, and embraced the vibrant theme enthusiastically. “For this Bal de la Rose 2023, it seemed natural to me to combine the aesthetics of the Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan, with the extravagance and magnificence of Bollywood,” said the renowned shoe designer.

The Salle des Etoiles was transformed into a film studio in which Bollywood dancers took guests on a journey of song and dance, telling the story of Beauty, a young Indian woman, invited to participate in the Bal de la Rose for the first time. Unable to find a dress for the big day, Beauty faints, only to be awoken by a pair of beautiful Louboutin shoes.

*The Salle des Etoiles for the Bal de la Rose 2023. Photo courtesy SBM*

The colourful room was filled with 12,000 roses, and 6,000 French marigolds and carnations. A troupe of 31 Bollywood dancers entertained guests as they dined on an Indian-themed menu that included langoustine with mango pickles, black cod tandoori, and lamb korma curry, all washed down with Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque Champagne, Cuvee 2013.

Meanwhile, Mika took to the stage to perform some of his greatest hits, including Relax, Grace Kelly, and Love Today.

A raffle, hosted by Stéphane Bern, offered a number of exceptional prizes including an 18-carat white gold and diamond Chanel Lion necklace, Christian Louboutin ‘Peep Tosachi’ heels made from sari fabric, and a Louis Vuitton ‘Capucines’ bag in pearly pink leather with rose gold details.

*Shirley Bassey and Isabel Pantoja were among the guests at the 67th Bal de la Rose. Photo courtesy SBM/Palais Princier*

All money raised went towards the Princess Grace Foundation. Created in 1964 by Princess Grace, her foundation supports humanitarian and cultural projects in aid of children. After the death of Princess Grace in 1982, her husband Prince Rainier III gave the presidency of the foundation to their daughter Caroline, Princess of Hanover.

Before Christian Louboutin, it was Caroline’s late dear friend Karl Lagerfeld who was artistic director of the Bal de la Rose. The event was established in 1954 to launch the party season in the Principality of Monaco. Hosted by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), this Spring spectacular has become a not-to-be-missed event.

Click on the gallery below for more images of the Bal de la Rose 2023, and scroll down to watch the video. Photos/video courtesy SBM/Palais Princier…