Jenson Button fears a wet Monaco Grand Prix will be "10 times more dangerous" than any other race, but knows it is his best chance of a points finish.
As you would normally expect of the Cote d'Azur, clear blue skies dominated as Monte Carlo basked in bright, warm sunshine, bathing the onlookers for Thursday's two practice sessions.
Lewis Hamilton may have topped the timesheets, but it is likely to count for nothing as a wet weekend has been forecast, turning the blue riband event of Formula One into a lottery.
Even in the dry conditions, the Renault duo of Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet both lost their rear wing, sliding into the barrier as they exited Sainte Devote.
The real concern, though, is a wet race on what would become the skiddy streets of the Principality, driving in cars this season without the aid of traction control and engine braking.
"Looking at the weather forecast for the weekend, it appears it's going to be pretty awful," remarked Button, who was eighth at the end of the two sessions in his Honda.
"If there is rain, it's going to make it 10 times more dangerous here than any other circuit because we no longer have traction control.
"And with the white lines going up to Casino Square, if you touch one you've a big chance of putting your car into the wall.
"So it's going to be pretty intense, and you just hope we get some practice in before the race.
"The last thing we all want is to be barrelling into Casino with no practice in the wet in these cars."
Button, though, has proven himself in the past to be one of the most accomplished drivers in Formula One when it rains, with his only win to date stemming from a wet race in Hungary.
Although conceding to concern should the heavens open, he also admits to being "excited" as he knows he will have a chance to shine.
"It's always exiting driving in the wet and in tough conditions," added Button.
"It's what I enjoy because you can make a difference with your driving, and it means I've a better chance.
"In the dry we pretty much know where we are going to be. If we have a good lap in qualifying and everybody else does, then we should be around 10th to 12th.
"Unless anyone mucks up, then we pretty much know the outcome, but if it's wet it can be very different, a very mixed-up grid, and a very mixed-up race.
"It will be more exciting for me, that's for sure, and for the fans too - on their big yachts, they might get a bit wet!"
In many respects, Button would also like qualifying to be wet as that would throw open the grid.
"There would be more possibilities," added Button.
"But then it would be pretty crazy here in the wet, and I've never driven in the wet here without traction control.
"I'm sure we'll get used to it because we're all very good."
Although a Monaco resident, with his apartment now a stone's throw from the circuit, you would perhaps have thought Button would tire of the scene at this time of year.
But for the 28-year-old, this race is akin to being a little kid at Christmas, adding: "Every year you come here it feels like the first time.
"I still get a buzz, and it doesn't make a difference that I live here.
"For me, the circuit is still pretty spectacular, and there is nothing like Monaco. It is so different to any other circuit.
"It's quite a slow circuit compared to the others we race on, but it is also feels stupidly fast.
"That's because the barriers are so close, it is so narrow, and you are racing through the streets which are so bumpy.
"It feels like it's the fastest circuit on earth, but in reality of course, it's not.
"It's still a great place to race because it is so different, and that makes it extra special."
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