He was so pleased with his win that he'd parked his car in the traditional "closed park" in the stands, forgetting that in Monaco, the winner is supposed to drive his vehicle all the way to the Prince's box. Luckily, Jenson is an accomplished triathlete, thus after 78 laps, he still had enough energy to run to pick up his trophy.

My other great memory from my youthful visits to Monaco is of being there for Olivier Panis's victory at the 1996 Grand Prix. I was obviously inspired by what I saw that day – a French driver triumphing in the most prestigious of all Formula One races. What's more, Olivier recently told me that he would like me to be the next winner, so that people would at last stop reminding him that he was the last Frenchman to win an F1 race! I assured him I was doing my utmost to make this happen as soon as possible!

Having been lucky enough to win in Monaco in the GP2 a few years ago, I can tell you that the podium there is truly unique, because it's actually made up of the steps leading up to the Prince's stand. The protocol ceremony takes a sober turn when Prince Albert's assistants remind you that you are very strongly advised not to spray His Highness or his family with champagne. On the other hand, it's a chance to celebrate immediately with your team members, as they're waiting directly at the foot of the steps, unlike in other Grand Prix, where you only get together once the media formalities are over.

If I could win only one Formula One race in my career, I'd want it to be Monaco, even if every Grand Prix is of course worth winning. Without question, the champagne would taste extra delicious on the podium that day!

However, that Sunday, the 10th of June, all the drivers in front of me had to do a second pit stop to change their tyres, whereas at the wheel of my Lotus, I was able to hold out till the chequered flag, making only one stop along the way. I can still see myself passing Fernando Alonso to take second place and even considering the possibility of winning during the final laps. But the time I lost at the beginning of the race prevented me from seizing that magical moment, the one every Formula One driver dreams of. All the same, that final second place remains one of the highlights of my career. I remember jumping into the arms of my chief mechanic, and to this day Lewis Hamilton's cheers on the podium still ring in my ears. But I also have another, more painful, memory.

In Canada, I was using racing boots that really didn't suit me. As a result, as the laps wore on, my left foot was injured and even began to bleed. So when I received the trophy and shook my magnum of Mumm on the podium, I was smiling, but at the same time gritting my teeth. But nothing could spoil my pleasure, because on the "Gilles Villeneuve" circuit, the winner and the two drivers who accompany him are always given a rapturous reception by the thousands of Quebecois supporters – all die-hard race fans and always so kind to me as a French speaker! 

That day victory seemed so close that the champagne tasted of hope!