Kimi Raikkonen has warned Lewis Hamilton to expect Ferrari to be a force at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.
McLaren cruised to an easy one-two a season ago as Fernando Alonso edged out Hamilton, with Ferrari left trailing in their wake.
Felipe Massa was almost 70 seconds adrift in third, while Raikkonen was humiliatingly lapped following a poor qualifying performance.
The Finn ultimately finished eighth, claiming a crucial point that at the end of the season was all that separated him from both Hamilton and Alonso as he was crowned world champion.
Heading into Sunday's race around Monte Carlo, Raikkonen holds a seven-point cushion over Hamilton and Ferrari team-mate Massa.
Although McLaren are again expected to be strong this year, the 28-year-old is convinced they will not have it all their own way.
"Last week we had a test at Paul Ricard, and it went very well," assessed Raikkonen.
"We tried a few new things and improved the set-up, and I feel the car is stronger at this type of track compared to last year. That I know.
"Obviously we struggled last year in Monaco, but I feel Ferrari has really improved in areas where we were weak last year.
"It's difficult to say how it will go in the end. All I can say is I know we will be very competitive, but there's also McLaren and BMW.
"Having said that, Monaco can always be good for a surprise. It's the most open of all the races this year."
Raikkonen would love nothing more than to repeat his 2005 victory and so strengthen his hold on the championship lead.
Appreciating the history and significance of taking the chequered flag at the world's most glamorous race, he added: "Monaco is the race.
"It's the legend amongst all the races, and when you have managed to get it right, you know the great feeling you get by winning it.
"My win in 2005 ranks up there with my most memorable, so to win it again would be just as special.
"Although every race is important, for me there is nothing like Monaco. It is really different from everywhere else.
"Because of that it is really difficult to have a clean weekend, so there isn't a better feeling than to get things going well in Monaco.
"Last year I only scored a point, which did not feel that good after the race, but it proved very precious come the end of the season.
"As usual, it's futile to count points now, although I think we will get a better picture of the championship after these next two races."
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