ECCLESTONE PLEA TO MOSLEY

Ecclestone - urged Mosley to stand down.

Bernie Ecclestone has urged FIA president Max Mosley to stand down rather than face a vote of confidence at an extraordinary general meeting of motor sport's governing body on Tuesday.

Mosley, 68, was been under pressure since lurid allegations about his private life were published two months ago but has refused to stand down.

A number of the world's leading automobile clubs sent a letter to Mosley this week imploring him to resign, and now Formula One's commercial rights holder, Ecclestone, has followed suit.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "The last thing most people involved in the sport, including the clubs, would want to see is Max in a position where he could be forced to stand down.

"I don't want to see that. I've been a friend of Max for 40 years. I would hate to see him go in this way after all he has done for the sport.

"Max is a strong man. Once he makes a decision he sticks to it. He feels that there is still important work to do at the FIA.

"But in my view there is a way to accomplish this and retire at the end of the year at the FIA general assembly in November. I would be happy to sit at his side to help him to achieve that.

"He should stand down out of responsibility for the institution he represents, including F1."

ECCLESTONE WARNING

MOSLEY TO SUE NEWS OF THE WORLD

MOSLEY HITS BACK AT CLUBS

Mosley - standing firm.

Disgraced FIA president Max Mosley has become embroiled in a civil war with a number of the world's leading automobile clubs.

The all-out feud comes a matter of days prior to a vote of confidence being taken on whether he is fit to remain in office.

In the days that followed the publication of lurid allegations into Mosley's private life, the clubs spoke out one by one against the 68-year-old, urging him to resign or consider his position.

Mosley has since stood firm, claiming he has the support of many other organisations, sparking his decision to call for the vote from the extraordinary general assembly that will take place in Paris next Tuesday.

In one last desperate attempt to force Mosley out, the clubs have joined forces, putting their name to a letter calling for him to stand down.

In the letter they claim: "The FIA is in a critical situation. Its image, reputation and credibility are being severely eroded.

"Every additional day that this situation persists, the damage increases. There is no way back."

But in a sharp retort in a letter in reply Mosley has derided their "suggestion of a 'crisis"' as "nonsense".

Using a motoring pun, he added: "Although I am personally embarrassed and greatly regret that this affair has become public, no-one fails to call for roadside assistance because of it."

He maintains in communications received from other club presidents they have been "overwhelmingly in favour of my remaining as president".

He continued: "I therefore had no choice but to submit the question (the vote) to the FIA membership as a whole. I certainly could not have simply ignored the majority and resigned."

In their letter dated May 28, the clubs also expressed their anger at Mosley for refusing the offer of a compromise deal to step down this November in exchange for a guaranteed victory in next week's vote.

The suggestion was proposed by the World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT), a senior body of the FIA.

Mosley describes the suggestion as "the worst possible solution".

He added: "I would have resigned, yet still spent the summer carrying out all the day-to-day work with neither the time nor the authority to complete the major outstanding tasks.

"Better to stop immediately than accept this muddled compromise."

Mosley goes on to attack a number of the clubs behind the letter, which is signed by representatives from America (AAA and AATA), Australia (AAA), Austria (OEMTC), Belgium (TCB), Brazil (CCB), Canada (CAA), Denmark (FDM), Finland, (AL), France (FFA), Germany (ADAC), Hungary (MAK), India (FIAA), Israel (MEMSI), Jamaica (JAA), Japan (JAF), Norway (NAF), Singapore (AAS), Spain (RACC and RACE), Sweden (M), Switzerland (TCS) and the Netherlands (KNAC and ANWB).

Although the clubs involved represent around 85% of the total membership of the FIA, based on motorist members, they control only around 25% of the votes at the General Assembly.

It is believed groups like the AAA in America and Germany's ADAC have been looking to break away for some time.

Mosley claims a number of clubs "have been trying to change the structure of the FIA since well before the events they now seek to exploit".

He added: "Several of these same clubs have formed groups separate from the FIA from which the wider FIA membership is excluded.

"Worse, they have obstructed our efforts to improve co-operation between all clubs.

"Combined with a complete lack of transparency, I believe these activities are contrary to the interests of the FIA."

In an attempt to further undermine Mosley, the clubs refused to accept his assertion the FIA is at war with commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone with regard to the future of Formula One.

Mosley put forward the claim, among others, as to why he should continue, only for Ecclestone to issue a rebuttal, and pointedly state the FIA should be led by "a respected president".

Mosley's response is likely to further anger Ecclestone as he states the 77-year-old: "Is willing to continue working with the FIA because he has a binding contract to do so.

"In his letter to the clubs he says he is now willing to live with this contract. That is a sudden and major change in position."

Mosley has sent his letter to all member clubs, and not just those who have voiced their opposition, "in the interests of transparency".

He maintains the dissenters will be "free to express your views" at the general assembly, where the vote may now be closer than previously anticipated.

ECCLESTONE WARNING

CLUBS URGE MOSLEY TO QUIT

WHITMARSH BACKS HAMILTON

Hamilton - praised by Whitmarsh.

Lewis Hamilton has been backed to eclipse the achievements of motor racing's late king of Monaco, Ayrton Senna.

Hamilton produced the drive of his life to win Sunday's race around the streets of the Principality.

Starting from third on the grid, the McLaren star's victory was made all the more remarkable as he punctured his right-rear tyre early on after sliding into a barrier due to the wet conditions.

What followed was a masterful display of driving, full of pace, aggression and control when required that would have made his hero proud.

In the 59 years of the Formula One world championship, only Sir Jackie Stewart has managed to win at Monaco in fewer races.

Hamilton took the chequered flag in his 23rd grands prix compared to the Scot's 11, while Senna had to wait until his 51st race, the first of his six wins overall on the world's most famous circuit.

Assessing Hamilton's majestic display that enabled him to reclaim the lead in the drivers' standings, McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh feels the 23-year-old has what it takes to rule Monaco for years to come.

"Lewis has won here in Formula 3, GP2, and now F1," said Whitmarsh.

"That was actually his third win at Monaco, so in his four races here he has won three times and been second once.

"That's not a bad record at Monaco is it? So yes, he can go on and do what Ayrton did here. He loves the place.

"He's a great, great racer, and he did what he had to do - a fantastic job.

"There was one slight blemish when he clipped the wall, but we made it work for us.

"When he went back out he was in fifth place with a very heavy fuel load, but he was able to keep it on the road and be quick, and that's what won him the race.

"Lewis was in control and probably less nervy than the rest of us."

Whitmarsh feels the victory was crucial for McLaren's championship cause this season after Ferrari had reeled off four straight wins, ending their momentum.

"It was an important win to stop Ferrari," reflected Whitmarsh.

"We're six races in, and we have to make sure we're stamping some authority on these races, so it was fantastic.

"For all the drivers and the team, there is still something very special about winning in Monaco, and the timing of it was also important.

"We're leading the drivers' championship now, which is the one we want, and we always believed we could anyway.

"We've been saying for some time the race now is who can develop their car at the fastest rate.

"We're not discounting BMW who are still strong. They're doing a competent job.

"But Ferrari are going to continue to improve, we're going to continue to improve, and if we can improve at a faster rate then hopefully we can win the championship."

Next up for the F1 circus is the scene of Hamilton's first win a year ago, the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.

Hamilton will again be the man to beat, with Whitmarsh adding: "We have been quite good there in the past.

"It was obviously Lewis' first win, and I'm sure he'll be looking to repeat it.

"He's got a bit of momentum, and he's in great shape."

DE LA ROSA BACKS LEWIS

HAMILTON WON’T LET STANDARDS SLIP

DE LA ROSA BACKS LEWIS

Hamilton - backed by de la Rosa.

Pedro de la Rosa reckons Lewis Hamilton has the potential to win this year's World title as long as McLaren keep improving.

Thanks to his victory in Sunday's Monaco GP Hamilton has taken the lead in the Drivers' standings. The 23-year-old holds a three-point advantage over Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen with Felipe Massa a further point adrift.

Leading the standings, though, isn't new to Hamilton who held the advantage for a large part of last year's Championship before losing it at the final hurdle to Raikkonen.

De la Rosa, though, believes this year Hamilton can make amends but only if McLaren continue to improve their MP4-23.

"Hamilton is very confident and if he fulfills his promise of scoring 15 consecutive podiums, he may win the title," the Spanish test driver said during the opening of Madrid's motor show.

"We have won two races out of six and we have been closer to Ferrari on the tracks where they beat us by much in 2007, but we must keep on improving the car because the Championship is very long. We already lost it by one point last year."

WHITMARSH BACKS HAMILTON

HAMILTON KEEPS EYE ON WEATHER

PLANNERS BOOST SILVERSTONE FUTURE

Silverstone - home of the British GP.

Silverstone chiefs have taken another step towards securing the future of the British Grand Prix.

Approval has been given to the planning application for a new multi-million pound pit and paddock complex.

The facility is a key part of the development aimed at securing a new contract to stage the British Grand Prix once the current deal expires after next year's race.

The proposals would see the complex - that includes new garages, race control building, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones and a primary paddock - moved from its current location between Woodcote and Copse and sited between Club and Abbey.

The approval has been given by members of Aylesbury Vale District Council's Strategic Development Control Committee.

Richard Phillips, managing director at Silverstone Circuits, said: "We are absolutely delighted the planning committee have unanimously supported and voted in favour of this proposed milestone development.

"This is a turning point for Silverstone and a bold commitment towards the British Racing Drivers' Club's support for motorsport in the UK, and for retaining the British Grand Prix.

"The current programme provides for work to start on site later this year."

ECCLESTONE QUESTIONS SILVERSTONE

HAMILTON RETURNS TO GOODWOOD

MOSLEY WILL GO TO MONACO

KUBICA COOL ON CHANCES

Kubica - playing down chances.

Robert Kubica has ruled himself out of the Formula One title hunt for this season.

The BMW Sauber driver trails championship leader Lewis Hamilton by just six points after his second-placed finish in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday behind the Briton.

Since retiring in the season-opener in Australia, the Pole has not finished outside the top four in the five subsequent races.

Despite that, Kubica does not see himself as a title contender, conceding: "I don't think so, but of course anything can happen in Formula One.

"In the last two or three races we were not as competitive as we were at the beginning of the season, when we were in between the Ferraris and the McLarens.

"Recently, it has been more difficult for us to be up there, so I expect Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton to fight for the championship.

"But if I see an opportunity, of course, I shall do my best."

The next race on the calendar in 10 days' time is the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, scene of the 23-year-old's horror shunt last year.

Kubica insists there will be no lingering mental aftermath when he returns to the track next week.

"I don't have to cope with anything," asserted Kubica.

"Of course everybody knows what happened in 2007, but I don't have to cope because it's already a year ago.

"Since then I have been driving a Formula One car without thinking about it.

"In Formula One and motorsport the risks are high, but I don't have any negative feelings about Canada.

"I am just going there, as I go to any other race, with the goal to score as many points as possible."

TITLE CHANCES FADING FOR HEIKKI

KUBICA IN DARK OVER FUTURE

MONACO MAGIC WAS A MOMENT TO SAVOUR

Hamilton - brilliant victory.

No other race stirs the senses like the Monaco Grand Prix, and for sheer drama, no other victory has roused the imagination for quite some time as the one on Sunday by Lewis Hamilton.

When Monte Carlo is bathed in sunshine and the well-to-do jetset strut their stuff around the harbour full to the brim with multi-million pound super-yachts, it is a world far removed from reality.

Equally is the sight of today's modern-day beast of a Formula One car hurtling around Casino Square and through the famed tunnel at 180mph.

Surely Monaco's streets were never meant to witness such savagery in comparison to when the Principality staged its first official grand prix in 1950.

But the Formula One calendar would simply not be the same without its jewel in the crown, even if a proposal in this day and age to hold a race around such a narrow, twisty track would draw worried frowns from the safety and technical brigade within the FIA.

I have been 'lucky' enough to stand at the end of the tunnel when an F1 car flashes past in a blur, the noise ear-splitting without plugs, and the ground reverberating beneath my feet.

All that has separated me from it has been a metal Armco, the car within inches of the barrier, so close that I could reach over and touch it.

At no other circuit around the world could you come within such proximity to a car travelling on a public road at such ferocious speeds.

Emerging out of the tunnel's gloom and into daylight, a driver has just 200 metres before being forced into a sharp left on entry to the Nouvelle Chicane.

At moments like that you gain a small insight into the bravery - for that is what it is - of the guys who step into the cockpit.

It was at that point in 1994, just two weeks after the deaths of fellow Austrian Roland Ratzenberger and Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna in San Marino, Karl Wendlinger lost control of his Sauber Mercedes.

Wendlinger hit the middle barrier that separates the run-off area to the right from the track on the left, the accident leaving him in a coma for weeks, effectively bringing an end to his F1 career as he was clearly not the same driver in attempting a comeback that fell flat the following year.

In 2003, Jenson Button clipped the same barrier in his BAR Honda in Saturday practice, sustaining concussion that forced him out of the race the following day.

Then in qualifying on Saturday, David Coulthard walked away from what he described as one of the biggest shunts of his career with nothing but a sore head and elbow.

The Scot, who destroyed his Red Bull Racing car after smashing into a barrier to his right coming out of the tunnel before flying down the run-off road, appreciated he might not have been so lucky if he had caught the same Armco as Wendlinger.

When you consider that, multiply the danger immeasurably in the wet and you have some appreciation for the job the drivers do as they travel behind a wall of spray and with limited visibility.

It is why Hamilton's success was so marked, the Briton starting from third on the grid and behind an all-Ferrari front row just as the rain started to fall.

An already damp track very quickly became wet, accounting for the 23-year-old as he clipped a barrier on lap six, puncturing his right-rear tyre.

It served as a wake-up call, and after giving himself a dressing down, Hamilton then drove imperiously, to such an extent at one stage he was more than three seconds per lap quicker than any other driver.

It was a performance reminiscent of his late hero Senna, who won six times at Monaco such was his love affair with the place, a feeling shared by Hamilton who became only the fifth Briton to take the chequered flag at the historic venue.

Not even former British world champions Mike Hawthorn, Jim Clark, John Surtees, James Hunt, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill managed to tame Monaco, so it is to Hamilton's eternal credit he did so in such emphatic fashion.

As father Anthony remarked after the race: "There are two dreams when you start out in Formula One, to win the world championship and the Monaco Grand Prix - one down, one to go!"

After Monaco, Hamilton will certainly be walking tall, but with his feet on the ground as he attempts to turn the second dream into reality.

HAMILTON’S MONACO GUESSING GAME

HAMILTON HITS MONTE CARLO JACKPOT

RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED

CLUBS URGE MOSLEY TO QUIT

Mosley - under more pressure.

A number of the world's leading automobile clubs have joined forces in one last desperate attempt to force disgraced FIA president Max Mosley out of office.

Mosley's refusal to resign, or even accept a compromise agreement, in the wake of lurid allegations about his private life has amazed senior figures within the motoring organisations.

That has resulted in a letter being sent to Mosley imploring him to step down ahead of next Tuesday's confidence vote in Paris to spare the governing body further embarrassment and damage.

A section of the letter reads: "We strongly believe that the only respectable way forward for the FIA, and for yourself, is to have an orderly transition, with an immediate agreement and your commitment to step down.

"The FIA is in a critical situation. Its image, reputation and credibility are being severely eroded.

"Every additional day that this situation persists, the damage increases. There is no way back."

The letter is signed by representatives from America (AAA and AATA), Austria (OEMTC), Belgium (TCB), Brazil (CCB), Canada (CAA), Denmark (FDM), Finland, (AL), France (FFA), Germany (ADAC), Hungary (MAK), India (FIAA), Israel (MEMSI), Japan (JAF), Singapore (AAS), Spain (RACC and RACE), Sweden (M), Switzerland (TCS) and the Netherlands (KNAC).

The clubs have also expressed their anger at Mosley for refusing the offer of a compromise deal to step down in November in exchange for a guaranteed victory in next week's vote.

The suggestion was proposed by the World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT), a senior body of the FIA.

The letter added: "We deeply regret your refusal to accept the proposal by the members of WCAMT to reach an agreement for you to step down at the General Assembly in the coming month of November.

"This is a constructive effort to facilitate an orderly transition within the FIA and to find a solution to the present crisis.

"Instead, your intention to remain until the end of your term in 2009, in spite of the severe damage being inflicted to the FIA, could imply putting personal considerations before the interests of the FIA and its member clubs."

To further undermine Mosley, the clubs do not accept his assertion the FIA is at war with commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone with regard to the future of Formula One.

Mosley put forward the claim, amongst others, as to why he should continue, only for Ecclestone to issue a rebuttal, and pointedly state the FIA should be led by "a respected president".

In siding with Ecclestone, the letter further adds: "We take note of the letter sent by B. Ecclestone to all member clubs, stating his support for the FIA as the sole body governing international motor sport and his willingness to continue working with the FIA, irrespective of the result of the Extraordinary General Assembly on June 3.

"We believe that his explanations put in due perspective the state of the relationship between the FIA and the Formula One world, taking away relevance to many of the arguments you make in your letter to justify your continuity.

"We take note of his point on the importance that the FIA be led by a credible and respected president."

It was expected Mosley would win the day next week, however, this latest damaging letter endorsed by so many leading organisations could convince others to now go against him, and make the vote closer than previously anticipated.

ECCLESTONE WARNING

MOSLEY TO SUE NEWS OF THE WORLD

BERGER BACKS MOSLEY

MOSLEY TO SUE NEWS OF THE WORLD

Mosley - set to sue.

Motorsport boss Max Mosley has launched a libel claim in the French courts against the News of the World over allegations he engaged in a Nazi-themed orgy.

The Sunday tabloid reported Mr Mosley joined five prostitutes in a five-hour orgy and published video of the alleged encounter.

FIA President Mr Mosley is suing the paper's owner News Group Newspapers in the British courts for breach of privacy, with a five-day trial expected in July.

The French lawsuit claims defamation and invasion of privacy against the newspaper and members of staff including the editor in chief, Mr Mosley's lawyer Philippe Ouakrat said on Wednesday.

A spokesman for the newspaper said they had no comment on the action - but have said previously they will vigorously defend the claims against them in the British courts.

Mr Mosley, 67, the son of British Fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley, has accepted that he visited the prostitutes, but denies there were Nazi overtones to what happened.

The newspaper successfully blocked a High Court bid by Mr Mosley to prevent publication of the video last month.

He has apologised to the FIA - the governing body for world motorsport - for any embarrassment caused by his actions, but faced repeated calls for his resignation.

His future is likely to be decided in a confidence vote in Paris next week.

MOSLEY WILL GO TO MONACO

ECCLESTONE WARNING

BERGER BACKS MOSLEY

SUTIL HEARTACHE SHARED BY MALLYA

Sutil in action before disaster struck.

Force India's billionaire co-owner Vijay Mallya has conceded to being "shattered" and close to tears after seeing his dreams of Monaco glory cruelly wrecked.

Adrian Sutil was on course to score the team's first points when running fourth with only 10 minutes of the two-hour race to run around the streets of Monte Carlo on Sunday.

But the young German was rear-ended by reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen, who lost control of his Ferrari on a damp part of the circuit emerging out of the tunnel.

Sutil was later seen in floods of tears inside the team garage, and although Raikkonen apologised, the shunt has potentially cost Force India around Ј5million in points bonuses.

"I was close to tears too - so were many of us actually because we were obviously shattered," remarked Mallya.

"I've had a lot of SMS (text) messages and phone calls from supporters in India, all of whom were highly emotional.

"We were so looking forward to a spectacular result, which was not to be.

"Kimi just rear-ended him. It wasn't as if it was an overtaking manoeuvre.

"Something drastic must have happened, because you wouldn't expect a world champion to run into somebody.

"It was sad for us, that moment was a very emotional moment. But such things happen in racing, that's what I've been telling everyone.

"F1 wouldn't be F1 if it wasn't as unpredictable as it is, but we'll get over it, and take away a lot of positives."

One of those is Mallya believes Sutil has proved he is worthy of his race seat following a poor start to the season.

"Adrian has a lot of ability and talent, and we're glad and proud to have him in our team," added Mallya.

"Some people started questioning my decision to keep him when he didn't finish a few races at the start of the season, but I think he has more than redeemed himself."

Mallya is hoping the tide of good fortune will soon turn the way of his team, as he said: "We don't want to base our earning points on exceptional circumstances.

"The team has to be good and competitive, and that's what we're driving for.

"Everyone's doing their best to make that happen. I just hope that some of these efforts get rewarded soon."

RAIKKONEN SORRY FOR SUTIL SHUNT

REACTION: RENAULT/TOYOTA/FORCE INDIA

200-UP FOR FISICHELLA

SYMONDS LOOKS FOR PIQUET BELIEF

Piquet - yet to score a point.

Nelson Piquet has been ordered to start believing in himself if he is to finally make his mark in Formula One.

Piquet has yet to score a point in his rookie season for Renault, and at times has appeared out of his depth amongst motorsport's elite.

During Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, the 22-year-old struggled on the wet streets of Monte Carlo before sliding into a barrier.

The suggestion is unless the Brazilian starts to improve, he will soon be replaced, although claims Anthony Davidson is being lined up for the drive are apparently wide of the mark.

However, Heikki Kovalainen was also rumoured to be on his way out of Renault a year ago before his year turned at the Canadian Grand Prix, the next event on the calendar.

Pat Symonds, Renault's director of engineering, said: "It has been difficult for him (Piquet), but he has put in some good races.

"This time last year, a lot of people were thinking Heikki was entering his last few races.

"Canada was just an incredible weekend for him because on Saturday could things really have gone worse?

"He had two major accidents, one of them in qualifying and it is still a miracle to me we got the car out in qualifying to get anywhere.

"Then he had a fabulous race on Sunday and he never looked back."

With regards to Piquet, Symonds added: "I've said it so often before how much with a driver or sportsman is about self esteem and believing in yourself.

"All Nelson needs to do is turn that corner and believe in himself and it will happen again."

PIQUET NEEDS TO REACH PEAK

RAIKKONEN PUTS FERRARI IN CHARGE

HAMILTON RETURNS TO GOODWOOD

Hamilton in action at Goodwood last year.

Lewis Hamilton will again compete in this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Hamilton will attack the famed 1.16-mile hill climb in his McLaren-Mercedes as he did last year, thrilling 50,000 fans who attended despite the appalling wet weather.

The 23-year-old, who leads the Formula One drivers' standings by three points following his victory in Monaco on Sunday, will be looking to attend the event as British Grand Prix winner.

The Festival takes place on July 13, a week after the British round of the world championship at Silverstone.

The theme - 'Hawthorn to Hamilton - Britain's Love Affair with World Motor Sport' - celebrates 50 years since Mike Hawthorn became Britain's first F1 world champion in 1958.

Festival founder, The Earl of March said: "It will be great if Lewis can repeat Hawthorn's F1 success 50 years ago and win the world championship for Britain this year."

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

HAMILTON UNDER PRESSURE - HAKKINEN

HAMILTON KEEPS EYE ON WEATHER

NO PRICE TO PAY FOR LEWIS

Hamilton - Monaco joy.

Lewis Hamilton managed to avoid paying a hefty drinks bill last night as a startlingly different mood enveloped McLaren in Monaco compared to a year ago.

Hamilton's victory around the rain-lashed streets of Monte Carlo sparked unbridled scenes of joy immediately after the race, and a substantial party into the bargain.

When the 23-year-old eventually returned to the McLaren brand centre after a copious round of interviews, it was to a rousing cheer and deafening music, including Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'.

As the champagne flowed, there was a bear hug from dad Anthony, an embrace from rapper P Diddy, and a kiss on the cheek from Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

Go back to last May, and despite a one-two finish led by Fernando Alonso, the aftermath on that occasion included accusations, an FIA investigation, and the start of an internal feud.

Team orders deprived a flying Hamilton of attacking his then team-mate, and although the FIA cleared McLaren of any wrongdoing, the blue touchpaper to an explosive season had been lit.

If Sunday's scenes are anything to go by, McLaren are a new-found team this season - relaxed, at ease, and ready to enjoy, as they did last night.

"After crossing the line my engineer said 'drinks are on you'," remarked Hamilton.

"I was just about to reply and say 'no problem', when (team boss) Ron (Dennis) said: 'don't worry, I'll pay for the drinks.' Even better!"

But behind the delirium, there remains the serious issue of a world title to win.

With a third of the season gone, Hamilton is back in the lead by three points to Kimi Raikkonen who suffered a day of disaster in coming home ninth.

In the very next sentence, Hamilton added: "We need to remain focused for the next race, as we want to continue.

"It's always good to continue with the momentum you have."

Even Dennis conceded the team would "party hard" last night, and whilst there might be a few hangovers today, no doubting his team will be fully focused on the Canadian Grand Prix in 13 days' time.

At least it was a win for Dennis to savour, compared to last year as he said: "There was no controversy to it all.

"It was a great race to be part of, one the whole team felt they had participated in.

"Lewis drove exceptionally well on a track that is so technically difficult.

"He made a mistake early on and nearly paid the price. Anywhere else on the circuit, that could have been very hard to get back.

"But after that we were in control, and winning here has fulfilled a dream for Lewis.

"For him this was his icon race, and he has come out leading the championship again, although there's a long way to go."

Undoubtedly, Hamilton's feet will be on the ground at Montreal, the scene of his debut win last year.

When asked whether Hamilton would feel 10 feet tall in Canada in the wake of his win in Monaco, Dennis replied: "He will go in there realising he's got to do the best job possible."

Last year in Canada, Hamilton took the lead in the title race and held on until the final grands prix in Brazil where he ultimately missed out on the championship by a point to Raikkonen.

There is no denying McLaren's determination to go one better this season, in particular as last year was wrecked by the in-fighting and spy scandal.

"As a team, we're galvanised all the time," added Dennis.

"Prior to Monaco, Ferrari might have got results in the previous four races, but we've been quick.

"We're going to come back as strong as ever, and we've got to push like hell to get developments on the car.

"And compared to last year, we're not going to make the same mistakes again - whatever they were!"

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

SCHUMACHER TO HELP OUT

Schumacher - handed key role.

Michael Schumacher has been elected chairman of a committee that will determine the distribution of the fine handed out to McLaren following last year's spy scandal.

McLaren were hammered to the tune of Ј49.2million at the time) by world governing body the FIA in September.

The Woking-based team were found guilty of being in unauthorised possession of technical information belonging to rivals Ferrari.

Seven-time Formula One world champion Schumacher, who won five of his titles with Ferrari, is now fronting the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund.

The Fund has been created to manage the distribution of motor sport safety-related grants from the FIA's share of the fine.

Schumacher is joined on the committee by FIA president Max Mosley, Nick Craw, president of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, Jean Todt, a member of the Ferrari board and Mercedes-Benz Motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug.

Working in collaboration with the FIA Institute, the programme of Fund activities will roll out later this year.

They include a Young Driver Safety Scholarship Programme, an Officials Skills Safety Training Programme and a Facility Safety Improvement Consultancy Programme.

Schumacher said: "I'm proud to be able to help with the further development of safety in motor sport across the world.

"The FIA has achieved a great deal already in its safety activities, but the grants available from this new Fund will make a huge contribution to improving motor sport safety, especially in emerging motor sport markets."

Mosley added: "From the outset we had intended any fine imposed on McLaren-Mercedes would be used for the benefit of the grass roots of motor sport.

"I'm delighted this money will be invested in a safer future for our sport."

SCHUMACHER ENTERS SUPERBIKES

BERGER BACKS MOSLEY

REACTION: McLAREN/BMW/FERRARI

DOMENICALI KEEPS POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Raikkonen - out of the points.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali is adamant the picture is "positive" for his team, despite a miserable Monaco Grand Prix that had a "definitely negative outcome".

From one-two on the grid, Ferrari mustered just six points from Felipe Massa's third place as world champion Kimi Raikkonen was a lowly ninth at the end of a shocking performance.

The Finn was forced into a 10-second drive-through penalty early on as his team had failed to fully fit his tyres at the three-minute warning before the formation lap.

Raikkonen then lost his nose cone twice, notably with 10 minutes of the two-hour race remaining when he ran into the back of Force India's Adrian Sutil after losing control of his car coming out of the tunnel.

At the time Raikkonen was running fifth and on course to retain his championship lead, only to slip out of the points and trail race winner Lewis Hamilton by three.

As for Massa, a spin whilst leading and a poor strategy denied the Brazilian a win from pole position, leaving Domenicali to reflect on a wasted opportunity.

"After a great qualifying it was easy for us to act like prophets foreseeing a possible lottery for the race given the weather forecast," said Domenicali.

"We cannot deny we are disappointed, with the result a combination of errors on our part and bad luck.

"We got off on the wrong foot, with an infringement of the rules in preparing Kimi's car on the grid minutes before the start resulting in a drive-through penalty.

"Then we decided to switch our strategy, going for a one-stop race on the basis that we expected the rain to return and this did not happen.

"With hindsight, it is easy to say we should have made different choices, but the reality is that at every level we did not meet our usual high standards."

However, Domenicali maintains the picture is a healthy one for the team with regard to the remainder of the season.

"We have taken four wins and the same number of poles from six races and we are still solidly in the lead of the constructors' classification," added Domenicali.

"Now we must look ahead and get as well prepared as possible for the Canadian Grand Prix.

"In Monaco, we showed we were capable of fighting for the lead and we want to do the same in Montreal, another track that did not suit us so well last year."

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

MONACO JOY FOR HAMILTON

Hamilton battles the wet conditions for victory.

Lewis Hamilton realised a boyhood dream by claiming victory in an action-packed Monaco Grand Prix to regain control of a furious fight for the Formula One world title.

After an early run into the barriers on a wet circuit as the rain fell, Hamilton managed to hold his nerve, becoming only the fifth Briton to take the chequered flag.

In claiming his sixth triumph in 23 starts, he now joins Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, Sir Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard on being crowned king of the Principality.

After crossing the line, and talking to his pit crew via his in-car radio, a jubilant Hamilton said: "I apologise for hitting the barrier, but we made up for it.

"Now let's go party!"

Once the rain started to fall around 20 minutes before the start, it was always going to be an incident-fuelled race, and so it wonderfully proved.

The conditions meant the race ran for the full two hours, with 76 of the 78 laps completed.

And for once, rather than watching a dull procession around the tight, twisty streets of Monte Carlo, the public who pay through the nose for tickets for Formula One's blue riband event were given real value for money.

The first incident, though, was unexpected and occurred prior to the race unfolding as Heikki Kovalainen failed to pull away from the grid for the warm-up lap.

The Finn, who was forced to start from the pit lane, must have run over a black cat of late given his run of bad luck.

After escaping uninjured from a horrifying smash in Barcelona, and then suffering a puncture in Turkey at the first corner, the 26-year-old must surely have been cursing inside the cockpit.

After Hamilton had made a superb start to pass Kimi Raikkonen on the run down to Sainte Devote, Jenson Button became the first on-track casualty.

The Briton, normally so superb in the wet, attempted to pass the BMW Sauber of Nick Heidfeld coming out of the swimming pool complex on lap one, only to lose his nose cone.

It was the start to a catalyst of events as the rain steadily fell for the first 20 minutes, and expected mayhem ensued.

Nico Rosberg and Timo Glock soon required new nose cones for their Williams and Toyota cars respectively, all within the first three laps.

Then Hamilton clipped a barrier on the entry to Tabac, puncturing his right-rear tyre and forcing him into an unexpected pit stop.

However, by a strange quirk of fate it played into his hands.

Then double world champion Fernando Alonso slid into a barrier in his Renault, and like Hamilton he too damaged his right-rear tyre.

Within seconds, David Coulthard lost the back end of his Red Bull on entry to Casino Square, clouting a barrier and forcing him out of the race.

Coming just 24 hours after the Scot had escaped unharmed from a 180mph smash in qualifying, it was a weekend to forget for the 37-year-old.

To add to a stationary Coulthard's chagrin, he was immediately hit from behind by Sebastien Bourdais after the Frenchman had lost his Toro Rosso on the same part of the circuit, forcing the safety car into play.

Then came confirmation of a foolish mistake from Ferrari as they had not fully fitted Raikkonen's tyres at the three-minute signal prior to the start of the race.

That resulted in a 10-second penalty for the Finn, an error in what was a disastrous race for the reigning world champion.

Alonso made a second error when he punted into the side of Heidfeld at Loews hairpin as the incidents continued unabated, and still with only 14 laps run at that stage.

Massa almost joined the list of casualties at Sainte Devote as he slid off into the run-off area, allowing Kubica to take the lead.

Then the race and a drying track started to come to Hamilton, and as Kubica and Massa were eventually forced to make the first of their routine stops.

That allowed Hamilton to gain the lead on lap 33, one he did not relinquish until the chequered flag as various other incidents unfolded behind him.

With 20 minutes of the race remaining and at a point when Hamilton had a 40-second lead over Kubica, Nico Rosberg lost his line coming out of the swimming pool complex.

The Williams driver initially thundered off a wall and across the circuit into a barrier on the entry to La Rascasse.

With a wrecked car and debris all over the track, it brought the safety car into play for the second time, but crucially whittling Hamilton's 40-second lead down to nothing with 17 minutes to go.

Six minutes later the safety car pitted, and it became a run to the line for the leaders and a battle for the points.

But there was still more drama to come as Raikkonen lost control of his car on the run down to the Nouvelle Chicane.

Although the Finn managed to hold on without hitting a barrier, he instead ran into the back of Adrian Sutil, who had driven superbly to hold fourth at the time.

Force India were on course for their first points, but the damage to his car was too much, and the German had to retire, leaving him in floods of tears in his garage.

Raikkonen pitted for a fourth time overall for a new nose, but was unable to slot back into a points-scoring position, finishing ninth overall.

Behind Hamilton, Kubica came home second, followed by Massa, with the Red Bull of Mark Webber again in the points for the fifth successive race in a season-high fourth.

Sebastian Vettel scored his first points of the season by taking fifth for Toro Rosso, whilst for the first time in 22 races since the Brazilian Grand Prix of 2006, Rubens Barrichello ended up in the points by claiming sixth in his Honda.

The Williams of Kazuki Nakajima was seventh, with Kovalainen a resolute eighth.

A thrilled Hamilton, after taking his second win of the year following his success in Australia, said: "This is the highlight of my career, and it will be the highlight for the rest of my life."

He added: "I was able to get a good start.

"I felt comfortable and I knew I had a good car to challenge Felipe, but then as the rain came down there was so much spray.

"Through Tabac I hit a river of water and slid into the barrier, but fortunately I was able to tell the team and they reacted very quickly.

"They did a great job and without them I wouldn't have won this."

As the weather conditions changed, Hamilton added: "I can't tell you how difficult it was, but the strategy played into my hands.

"There was one point when I was 40 seconds ahead and then the safety car came out again.

"I said it was going to be an eventful race, and I hope Nico is okay because it was a big shunt.

"But at the restart, after what happened last year in Canada, it was no sweat.

"I was counting down the laps - and it took a long, long time!"

Kubica said: "It's a miracle I finished the race.

"It was a hard one for me, but second place was the best we could get, so I'm very happy."

Massa, who revealed he lost his radio for 20 laps and so was unaware of what was happening around him, said: "All of us had our moments.

"It was so easy to have little breaks in concentration, and it was a very difficult race.

"But it's good to be on the podium, and I'm happy with the result even though I was expecting the victory."

HAMILTON HITS MONTE CARLO JACKPOT

RAIKKONEN PUTS FERRARI IN CHARGE

REACTION: McLAREN/BMW/FERRARI

REACTION: RENAULT/TOYOTA/FORCE INDIA

Sutil - came so close.

Renault
Fernando Alonso: "We were not able to achieve what I think would have been possible in a normal race. The track was always changing; the car was sensitive and I made some mistakes. After that, we tried to change our strategy, but it did not really pay off, which is a shame. As we are not fighting for the championship we certainly took our chances and some risky choices, but today that did not work and we must hope that the next race in Montreal goes better."

Nelson Piquet Jr: "I had a difficult weekend and I am extremely disappointed. The conditions on the track were changing, but we took the risk to switch to dry tyres when the track was still damp and tricky, which is when I went off and damaged the car. But I will not dwell on this and feel sorry for myself. I must remain focussed for the Canadian Grand Prix."

Toyota:
Timo Glock: "That just wasn't a good day for me. It would have been possible to score points but I just made too many mistakes and I am sorry for the team. I made a good start and passed Webber on the run down to the first corner. Then I spun a couple of laps later and had to come in. We switched to extreme wets for the first stint but they became harder as the track dried. Soon after our pit stop the track dried out further and we pitted again for dry tyres. Then it was just about bringing the car home. We will hope for better next time."

Jarno Trulli: "This has been a hard weekend and today was one of those days when things just didn't work out for us. At one stage it was raining really hard and we took the gamble to go on extreme wet tyres. That went well at the beginning because I was quicker and I did several good overtaking manoeuvres. But then the rain stopped and I was really struggling with extreme wets on a drying track. Unfortunately here you are always stuck in traffic and I lost a lot of positions during our pit stops. Towards the end of the race we put the dry tyres on and I brought the car home."

Force India:
Adrian Sutil: "I can't believe it, it was so close. It feels like a pain in my heart. It is like a dream gone to a nightmare - suddenly you are in the car and it looks all fantastic, then you have to accept it is not going to happen. We had a really good strategy and it seemed to work and we were so close to the podium and the points. It was after the restart after the final safety car that Kimi had a problem under braking and crashed into the back of my car. The race was over and it was a real shock. A few tears came out as the adrenaline was high - I just can't explain it. All the same I am so pleased that we did show what we can finally do as a team."

Giancarlo Fisichella: "At the beginning of the race I was just careful to be out of the trouble, but then I lost first and second gear and I was running third gear. Even with the conditions the lap times were competitive and then I lost fourth gear and the race was over. It's a real shame for the team, especially after Adrian's performance that we could not score our first points here."

REACTION: TORO ROSSO AND FORCE INDIA

REACTION: TOYOTA AND HONDA

REACTION: RENAULT, RED BULL AND WILLIAMS

HAMILTON HITS MONTE CARLO JACKPOT

Hamilton - career highlight.

Lewis Hamilton realised a boyhood dream with a Monaco Grand Prix victory likely to remain the highlight of his career.

Not even a slide into the barrier on a wet Monte Carlo circuit and resultant puncture on lap six on Sunday could deter the Briton from a win that elevated him back into the lead of the world title race.

Hamilton has now sensationally won three races in four seasons on the famed streets of the Principality after previously winning in Formula Three and GP2.

He also joins an exclusive club, becoming only the fifth Briton in the 59 years of the Formula One world championship to win in Monaco.

Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, Sir Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard have all previously won the world's most famous motor sport event, with Hamilton the first Englishman to do so since Hill in 1969.

Now the 23-year-old can add his name to the illustrious list, with his win so impressive after he started from third on the grid before overcoming the early setback with relative ease.

Naturally, there were a few nervy moments along the way given the conditions before he took the chequered flag, sparking jubilant scenes.

As far as Hamilton is concerned, nothing will top such a win as he said: "This is the highlight of my career, and I'm sure it will be the highlight for the rest of my life.

"To win here is an incredible feeling. It is very emotional - the last 20 laps were very emotional.

"Towards the end, I was just trying to keep the emotions in, keep calm on the track and saying to myself, 'I can do it, I can do it, I can do it!'

"I just told myself, 'Don't put it in the wall, no more safety cars, just bring it home'.

"After crossing the line, knowing I had won, on the in-lap I was screaming my head off.

"I made sure the radio was off, but I was just so happy that I was able to pull it off."

It was a measure of the good fortune Hamilton enjoyed that he did not damage his car further after his brush with the unforgiving Monaco barriers.

Furthermore, on the in-lap when he was screaming his head off, he sustained a puncture that could have cost him victory had it occurred a few laps from the end.

"The wet was tough, so tough, and when I hit the wall I couldn't believe it," reflected Hamilton.

"But the team did an even better job than they always do, and even though I touched the barrier, I think I did a better job than I've done in the past.

"To be honest, it was the most fun I've had in a race - ever!"

The rain and slippery conditions caused numerous incidents, most notably accounting for Raikkonen 10 minutes from the end of the full two-hour time limit.

The Finn just managed to keep his Ferrari out of the barriers on exiting the tunnel, but only succeeded in running into the back of Adrian Sutil when they were fourth and fifth at the time.

Raikkonen eventually finished out of the points in ninth, losing the title initiative to Hamilton by three points.

With Robert Kubica second for BMW Sauber and Ferrari's Felipe Massa third after starting on pole, just six points separate the top four in the championship.

Red Bull's Mark Webber was fourth, with Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel collecting his first points of the season in fifth.

Rubens Barrichello ended a 22-race drought by coming home sixth in his Honda, followed by Williams' Kazuki Nakajima and the McLaren of Heikki Kovalainen.

HAMILTON’S MONACO GUESSING GAME

RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED

MASSA PLOTS CANADIAN COMEBACK

Massa led but finished third.

Felipe Massa blew the chance of a maiden Monaco Grand Prix victory, but is confident Ferrari will bounce back in Montreal.

An all-red front row should have yielded more than the six points Massa collected for his third place from pole, with Kimi Raikkonen concluding a wretched race by finishing ninth.

With a third of the season completed, it means Raikkonen trails race winner Lewis Hamilton by three points in the drivers' standings, with Massa a further point back.

Although the Brazilian was comfortably away from the front of the grid as rain dominated the early part of a race that ran for the full two hours, a spin and poor strategy led to his downfall.

"Saturday was one of the best pole positions of my career, and with a heavy car (on fuel)," assessed Massa.

"Everything was pointing in the right direction to fight for the victory, and we were fighting because I was very quick at the beginning when it was very wet. I was even pulling away.

"I heard Lewis had a problem, but then everything turned when the track started to dry and we had a lot of problems when we stopped and put a lot of fuel in the car.

"We made a mistake on the strategy as we were waiting for the rain (later in the race), which didn't come.

"It was a little bit of a gamble. Sometimes it works perfectly on this track, sometimes it doesn't work.

"The weather forecast was perfect most of the time, but it wasn't when we really expected it would rain again."

Massa feels Ferrari will be strong in another race that should favour McLaren, the Canadian Grand Prix in 13 days' time.

Hamilton won another incident-filled event a year ago from pole as Ferrari again made mistakes.

But Massa added: "We will be stronger than last year because, in this race, McLaren were not unbeatable.

"We had great pace in both the rain and on the dry, but with all the circumstances we were unable to fight with Hamilton.

"Because I don't think McLaren were unbeatable here, we have the same feelings for Montreal, so the championship is very open.

"We have a good car, a good team, and this race will not change our possibilities to fight over the season."

As for Raikkonen, a major gaffe by his team resulted in a 10-second drive-through penalty as they failed to fully fit his tyres at the three-minute signal prior to the start of the race.

The reigning world champion, starting from second on the grid, was then passed by Hamilton on the run to the first corner at Sainte Devote.

After Raikkonen served the penalty, there followed two nose-cone changes as one minor incident early on was followed by a major shunt 10 minutes from the end of the two-hour race.

Losing control of his Ferrari coming out of the tunnel, the Finn rammed into the back of Force India's Adrian Sutil at a time when they were running fourth and fifth.

Sutil was forced to retire, and was later seen sobbing his heart out in his team's garage, whilst Raikkonen managed to rejoin, only to miss out on a points-scoring finish by one place.

Assessing the situation, Raikkonen added: "It was a very poor race for me, right from the off.

"It's true I've lost the lead, but I always said the championship would be a very long one.

"Now we must prepare as well as possible for Canada, where we will try to make up for this disappointment."

MASSA FINDS PASSPORT TO VICTORY

MASSA MAKING MOST OF MONACO

RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED

HAMILTON CAN HANG ON THIS TIME - STEWART

Hamilton celebrates Monaco success.

Sir Jackie Stewart believes Lewis Hamilton can hold onto his lead in the Formula One world championship, providing McLaren give him the car to do so.

Hamilton's triumph in the Monaco Grand Prix was one to savour, with the 23-year-old becoming only the fifth Briton - after Stewart, Stirling Moss, Graham Hill and David Coulthard - to win around the streets of the Principality.

But Monaco this year was one of those startlingly different races given the rain that caused havoc throughout, and the fact it is a street circuit like no other.

Returning to a normal track in 13 days' time with the Canadian Grand Prix, the question now is whether Ferrari will return to the dominance they enjoyed in the four previous races.

McLaren were quick, in particular in Turkey just over two weeks ago, but clearly not quick enough.

If Hamilton is to stay out in front for the remainder of the year - he now holds a three-point cushion over Kimi Raikkonen - Stewart feels McLaren have to raise their game.

"I see no reason why he can't stay there, but he is against two very good drivers in (Felipe) Massa and Raikkonen, and Ferrari are very strong," said the three-time world champion.

"McLaren are going to have to deliver a car capable of competing with them because he has the driving skills to do it."

It was in Canada last year that Hamilton took the outright lead in the title race, only to lose it - and the championship - in the final race in Brazil.

Stewart at least feels Hamilton has the mental strength to cope on this occasion, adding: "He will have learned a lot from last year.

"You don't gain knowledge without experience, and you don't gain wisdom without experience and knowledge.

"He will have collected that, and that's going to be good for him."

Hamilton heads to Montreal after realising his boyhood dream and emulating late hero Ayrton Senna by winning in Monaco.

During his time, Senna reigned supreme, winning six times at the place he made his home, including five in a row from 1989-93.

Given the way Hamilton mastered the conditions yesterday, and looked so supremely confident after a mistake early on, Stewart feels he could easily surpass Senna's feat.

"There's no reason why not because he is only 23 years of age. He has loads of time to do it," he added.

"In addition to which, he is driving for one of the best two teams in the world, and it's not often a driver gets that chance in the very early part of his career.

"Most of them have to come through a learning curve in relatively uncompetitive teams or cars.

"But Lewis has stepped in, which brings with it pressure, but he has been able to handle that pressure. He's got a long way to go."

Stewart, who is not afraid to concede he is a Hamilton fan, could easily understand the joy felt by the young Briton after his win.

"He was very fortunate for a number of reasons, but he was there to take advantage of that in a commanding way," added Stewart.

"For me, Ferrari lost the race. They should never have done that from being first and second on the grid. They cocked it up.

"Nevertheless, after Lewis hit the wall I thought there was no chance of him winning. But you can never give up and he demonstrated that quality, and in a powerful fashion.

"It was a great win in probably the most important grand prix of the season.

"It's something he has always dreamed of winning, and I know what that is like.

"He has won here in only his second season in Formula One, and I did the same, so I suspect there are very similar emotions. I'm very happy for him."

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON HOPEFUL OF MAKING A SPLASH

REACTION: McLAREN/BMW/FERRARI

A proud day for Hamilton in Monaco.

McLaren
Lewis Hamilton: "I am absolutely over the moon. To win here in Monaco is the highlight of my career and an occasion I will always remember. I want to thank everybody in the team for their fantastic job, and also my family for their continuous support. It was a very eventful race. I started well and immediately overtook Kimi, and also saw a chance to attack Felipe, but then the rain got heavier and visibility worsened. At the Tabac corner, there was a lot of water on the track, and suddenly I had oversteer and hit the barrier. It was just a slight touch, but the tyre was damaged and I had to pit. Fortunately, the first Safety Car period helped me to close the gap to the front. We changed our strategy, and I had to make only one more stop. When I was about 40 seconds ahead the team told me over the radio to take it easy. The second Safety Car period brought more excitement, but I was able to control the race also after the second re-start. What a day and what a result."

Heikki Kovalainen: "An extremely difficult race with any chance of finishing in a top position already gone when I could not engage a gear at the start of the formation lap. Consequently I had to change the steering wheel in the pit lane from where I had to start my race. I tried to push as hard as I could, but could only go at my real pace when there was a gap. It is a pity, because my car was good and the speed was there. At least I scored one point at the end and now look forward to the next Grands Prix where I will go maximum attack to finish with good results."

BMW
Robert Kubica: "I am very happy with the result. I didn't expect us to have the pace to finish second. It was a great race with very difficult driving conditions, and we did not expect such heavy rain. I had visibility and tyre problems throughout the whole race. I was trying to do as few mistakes as possible, as it is very dangerous if you make a mistake here."

Nick Heidfeld: "After the awful qualifying yesterday the early laps of the race went very well for me, despite the tricky track conditions. I was up to fifth, but unfortunately Fernando Alonso made a mistake and crashed into the side of my car. This caused heavy damage to the left hand side of my car, and due to a puncture I had to pit. I was then last and, because of the damaged car, I had no chance at all to improve. It is a Sunday to forget. But this is not too easy."

Ferrari
Felipe Massa: "A shame to have ended up third because of a series of events that did not go in our favour, which can easily happen in these conditions and on this track. At the start, I was very quick and the car was perfect, but then I made a mistake at the first corner, braking on the yellow line and I lost a place to Robert. But after just a few laps I was right behind him and I knew I could push harder. We decided to switch strategies thinking the rain was going to return, but this turned out to be the wrong choice. On full tanks and on a drying track, the standard rain tyres did not have the same grip as the ones my nearest rivals were using. On top of that, there was a radio blackout between the car and the pits for part of the race. Given everything that happened, these six points are still important in light of the championship: we have only got through the first third of the season and there is still a long way to go."

Kimi Raikkonen: "A very poor race for me, right from the off. There was a problem with a wheel before the start and we broke the rules, which meant I was given a drive-through penalty. During the race, my main problem was trying to get the tyres to work as well as possible. Then we decided to change the strategy as we expected it to rain again, but it didn't happen. Twice I had to change the nose after breaking the front wing. So, as you can see, a long run of things going wrong which explains the 0 points. I am sorry for Sutil, who I hit with just a few laps to go. I lost control of the car under braking coming out of the tunnel and I could do nothing to avoid him. It's a shame how things went today, as we had the potential to do well. It's true that I've lost the championship lead, but I always said the championship would be a very long one. Now we must prepare as well as possible for Canada where we will try to make up for this disappointment."

MASSA PLOTS CANADIAN COMEBACK

RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED

RAIKKONEN SORRY FOR SUTIL SHUNT

Raikkonen - apologised for shunt.

Kimi Raikkonen has apologised to Adrian Sutil after wrecking the German driver's dream of a career-high finish.

Sutil was seen sobbing his heart out in the Force India garage after missing out on fourth place at an incident-packed Monaco Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old had driven a faultless race in changing conditions and was on the cusp of a remarkable feat for the Formula One new boys.

But just 10 minutes from the end of the two-hour race, Sutil was shunted from behind by an out-of-control Raikkonen who had lost his Ferrari on exiting the tunnel.

Sutil's car sustained damage to the rear suspension, and after he had made his way back to the pits it was not long before emotion overcame him.

Raikkonen, who was forced into the pits for a new nose for the second time in the race, could only finish ninth, losing his lead in the world championship to McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.

An apologetic Raikkonen said: "I am sorry for Sutil.

"I lost control of the car under braking coming out of the tunnel and I could do nothing to avoid him."

After wiping away the tears, Sutil said: "I can't believe it, it was so close. It feels like a pain in my heart.

"It is like a dream turned to a nightmare. Suddenly you are in the car and it all looks fantastic, then you have to accept it is not going to happen.

"We were so close to the podium and the points, but then the race was over and it was a real shock.

"A few tears then came out as the adrenaline was high - I just can't explain it."

Raikkonen, who had started from second on the grid, was penalised early in the race for a foolish mistake by his team.

Failing to fully fit his tyres at the three-minute signal prior to the start of the race resulted in a 10-second penalty.

When you add in the two nose cone changes, Raikkonen conceded: "It was a very poor race for me, right from the off.

"There was a problem with a wheel before the start and we broke the rules, which meant I was given a drive-through penalty.

"During the race my main problem was trying to get the tyres to work as well as possible. Then we decided to change the strategy as we expected it to rain again, but it didn't happen.

"Twice I had to change the nose after breaking the front wing, so as you can see, there was a long run of things going wrong which explains the zero points.

"It's a shame how things went today, as we had the potential to do well."

With a third of the season gone, Raikkonen now trails Hamilton by three points heading into the scene of the Briton's maiden race win a year ago in Canada.

Assessing the situation, Raikkonen added: "It's true I've lost the lead, but I always said the championship would be a very long one.

"Now we must prepare as well as possible for Canada where we will try to make up for this disappointment."

MONACO GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

BARRICHELLO'S SMILING AGAIN

Barrichello - claimed sixth place.

Rubens Barrichello finally ended his miserable points drought in an action-packed Monaco Grand Prix, and admitted: "I'm glad to get the monkey off my back."

After 22 races without a point, stretching back to his home race in Brazil in 2006, Barrichello grabbed sixth in his Honda around the wet streets of Monte-Carlo.

The 35-year-old steered clear of the trouble that often unfolded, and was left with a smile on his face for the first time in a long time.

"It feels great to be back in the points," said Barrichello, at the end of his record-extending 258th grand prix.

"I'm just glad to get the monkey off my back because it has been quite a wait, but I never lost the faith, and I'm really happy for myself and for the team.

"We are capable of good points results, so I hope this is the start of a stronger period for us.

"We just need to keep our heads down and keep pushing forward."

Team-mate Jenson Button, renowned as a strong wet-weather driver, endured a wretched race, finishing in the place he started from on the grid - 11th.

"My race was really disappointing," reflected Button.

"I had a bad start and dropped a couple of places after getting caught on the inside of turn one.

"I then got round the outside of Rubens in the hairpin and (Mark) Webber after the tunnel going into the chicane.

"I was alongside Nick Heidfeld through the swimming pool when he overshot the corner.

"On the exit, I thought there was enough space for me to go down the inside, but there wasn't and I touched his rear wheel with my nose, breaking my front wing and damaging the bargeboards.

"So unfortunately that was my race compromised on the first lap.

"Later in the race, I got hit from behind by (Heikki) Kovalainen which damaged the rear and spun me off at the chicane.

"So it was a messy race and I'm disappointed as we should have come away from here with some points given the pace of the car."

REACTION: RED BULL/STR/HONDA/WILLIAMS

REACTION: TOYOTA AND HONDA

BARRICHELLO FUTURE IN THE BALANCE

MONACO GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

The celebrations begin for Hamilton.

FINISH: Hamilton now leads the Drivers' standings by three points over Raikkonen and fourth over Massa

FINISH: Pole position man Felipe Massa is third ahead of Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Rubens Barrichello, Kazuki Nakajima and Heikki Kovalainen takes the final points-paying position

Lap 76: Lewis Hamilton wins the Monaco Grand Prix with Robert Kubica coming home in second place

Lap 76: This could be the last lap as the 2 hour mark is reached

Lap 75: In fact everyone from Webber is fourth place is having an outstanding race, running higher in the points than usual - except eighth place Kovalainen who was undone at the start by stalling on the grid

Lap 74: Vettel is on course for a fifth place finish here this afternoon. Great race for Toro Rosso

Lap 73: Kovalainen is doing a great job keeping Raikkonen a safe three seconds behind him

Lap 72: Raikkonen is pushing hard trying to catch Kovalainen for eighth place. But he's 3.7s behind with 4 minutes or eighth laps left to play

Lap 71: Hamilton is flying. He already has a 4.1s ahead of Kubica. Massa is a further 1.8s behind

Lap 70: Vettel, Barrichello, Nakajima and Kovalainen are all in the points now

Lap 69: Raikkonen runs into the back of Sutil. Both drivers have to pit. Sutil is out the grand prix while Raikkonen gets a new nose and goes back out. Replays show Kimi got out of shape at the top of the hill and just couldn't stop himself from hitting Sutil

Lap 68: Time is running out as Hamilton leads from the restart. He gets the jump off Kubica. Massa is right behind the Polish driver. Sutil keeps Raikkonen behind him but the Ferrari driver is right there

Lap 67: Safety Car in this lap

Lap 66: And finally here comes Heidfeld. Who looked to be intent on staying ahead of the Ferrari of Raikkonen

Lap 66: Kovalainen now unlaps himself. Is he wasting time? Only 12 minutes left on the clock

Lap 65: Neither Kovalainen or Heidfeld are unlapping themselves. Are they doing it to protect their team-mates who are higher up the order?

Lap 64: Lapped cars are now allowed to overtake and make their way around to rejoin the back of the field - strange rule

Lap 63: Pitlane is open and Heidfeld quickly dashes in

Lap 62: The Monte Carlo marshals are quick to start cleaning up as the Safety Car leads the drivers round the track, bunching up the field

Lap 61: Rosberg lost it through the Swimming Pool section, hitting the barrier on the one side of the track and bouncing over to hit it on the other. He's okay but there is debris all over the track and the drivers are having to thread their way through

Lap 61: Safety Car is out as Nico Rosberg suffers a huge shunt

Lap 60: Track continues to dry out

Lap 59: Rosberg is challenging Nakajima for ninth place

Lap 58: Kovalainen and Rosberg, who are 11th and 10th, are the two fastest men out on track

Lap 57: Raikkonen pits from fourth place. He puts on the dry tyres and comes out ahead of Webber

Lap 56: Ferrari ready for one of their two drivers. It's Massa. He comes in for 8.8s and comes out behind Kubica who easily passes him as Massa tries to warm his tyres up

Lap 55: Button is tagged by Button, which puts Button into a spin

Lap 54: Hamilton pits for dry tyres. He was in the lead and rejoins in the lead

Lap 53: Kubica pits from third place for dry tyres. Sutil pits from fourth. He comes out just ahead of Raikkonen. Raikkonen, though, easily slides through and takes the place off him

Lap 53: Raikkonen is having a disappointing afternoon. The reigning F1 Champ is losing time every lap to Force India's Adrian Sutil!

Lap 52: Kovalainen pits and McLaren put in on dry tyres. The team are using him to see how the tyres work before swapping Hamilton

Lap 51: Button and Glock both pit. Kubica has closed right up on Massa in the battle for second place. They are half a minute behind race leader Hamilton

Lap 50: Piquet Jr is out the grand prix. He lost it out of Ste Devote and stuck his car in the barriers

Lap 49: Webber pits from fourth place. Heidfeld goes off track. Webber puts on dry tyres, he was in for 9.1s

Lap 48: Not sure if Renault have made the right choice as Alonso is sliding around the track

Lap 47: New fastest lap for Kubica as he closes in on Massa. Button now takes Piquet Jr but the Renault driver is heading into the pits. He puts on dry tyres

Lap 46: Piquet Jr, Rosberg, Button and Kovalainen are tussling for 10th place. The drivers are literally within touching distance of each other - Rosberg passes Piquet Jr through the tunnel

Lap 45: Rain is expected in six minutes according to race control. Alonso pits for dry tyres... this should tell the other teams whether the track is ready for them

Lap 44: Webber is going faster and faster. Renault are asking Alonos is he thinks it's time for dry tyres as the Renault mechanics come out. Alonso, though, tells them it's still too risky

Lap 43: Rosberg using the waved blue flags for Massa to slide through and take 11th place of Button at the Grand Hotel hairpin

Lap 42: Hamilton is a comfortable 23s ahead of Massa as the Brazilian fights his way through traffic. This is one of the big problems is Monte Carlo

Lap 41: Barrichello sets a new fastest lap but Hamilton beats it moments later. Teams will soon be thinking of moving to dry tyres

Lap 40: Glock has his car checked and is back out in the race

Lap 39: Glock pits and Giancarlo Fisichella retires from his 200th grand prix. The Italian was complaining of gearbox problems

Lap 38: Glock spins at Mirabeau and hits the barrier with the rear of his car. While spinning back the right way he almost takes out Kovalainen

Lap 37: Trulli pits from what was eighth place as Hamilton goes fastest

Lap 36: Rosberg takes 15th place off Alonso as Sutil does a new fastest lap in the Force India

Lap 35: Piquet Jr and Vettel are having a great fight for 11th place. Now it's for 10th place as Kovalainen pits

Lap 34: Hamilton is leading and does a new fastest lap of the race

Lap 33: Massa pits for 11.7s and puts on intermediate tyres. He comes out in second place ahead of Kubica

Lap 33: Ferrari mechanics are out, probably for Massa

Lap 33: And now Massa slowers the benchmark as Massa is badly held up by the backmarkers

Lap 32: Webber now sets a new fastest lap time of the race, a 1:30.388

Lap 31: Webber, who is P4, sets a personal best lap time as a dry line starts to form. He is 27s behind Kubica and 7s ahead of Sutil

Lap 30: Trulli, Barrichello, Nakajima and Kovalainen have only 2.2s separating them with Trulli leading the way in seventh place

Lap 29: Massa is leading but traffic is holding him back. The Brazilian is soon going to need to come in for fuel, though, which is when we will see how his battle with Kubica and Hamilton starts to pan out

Lap 28: Raikkonen pits. Gets fuel, new nose, tyres, the whole load. He comes out behind Sutil in sixth place

Lap 27: Raikkonen has gone straight on Ste Devote and damaged his front wing. He going as fast as possible back to the pits but with the damage very fast isn't very fast

Lap 26: Kubica, though, comes into the pits for fuel, leaving Massa to take the lead. Kubica pits for intermediate tyres. He was in for 8.7s. He comes behind Raikkonen

Lap 25: Hamilton and Raikkonen are being dropped by the leading two drivers. Kubica is 1.8s ahead of Massa

Lap 24: Kovalainen has passed Piquet Jr for 11th place at the Mirabeau

Lap 23: Sutil is having a blinder. He started P18 and is now running in sixth place

Lap 22: The track is drying quickly and the lap times are starting to tumble. Massa is the new fastest man out on track with a 1:32.703

Lap 21: Piquet, Vettel and Kovalainen are all fighting over 10th place - only 1.2s separate the three drivers

Lap 20: Massa was a flying 1.2s quicker than Kubica on that lap and has closed up on the BMW driver who is leading the race after Massa's earlier mistake

Lap 19: The rain has stopped but the track is still wet. BMW tell Heidfeld, who pitted the previous lap, that the reason he was so slow was because he had a slow puncture

Lap 18: Barrichello has taken eighth place off Nakajima

Lap 18: Kubica already has a 2.5s lead over Massa. Heidfeld pits for intermediates and, you guessed it, a new nose

Lap 17: Webber takes fifth place off Heidfeld and moments later Sutil takes sixth place off Heidfeld. Great race for the Force India driver

Lap 17: The only man behind him on the track is Rosberg, who had to pit for a new nose

Lap 16: Alonso is down in 17th place now after damaging his front wing when he hit Heidfeld. He had to pit for the second time already today for repairs

Lap 15: Massa goes too deep in Ste Devote and has to spin his car around to get back on track! He loses the lead to Kubica

Lap 15: Alonso tries to overtake Heidfeld but instead T-bones the BMW as Heidfeld turns in for the corner. Webber taps his nose against Alonso's rear and Nakajima also got involved. All three drivers continue

Lap 14: Raikkonen takes his drive-through penalty - he comes out just behind Hamilton

Lap 14: Alonso is now harassing Heidfeld for fifth place. Alonso, though, almost swipes the barrier as he hassles Heidfeld

Lap 13: The earlier Safety Car means Raikkonen is now just 3s behind Massa. However, the Finn still has to come in for his drive-through penalty

Lap 12: Alonso pulls off a passing move on Webber and is back up into sixth place

Lap 11: Raikkonen has been given a drive-through penalty for not having tyres fitted to his Ferrari after the three minute signal was given

Lap 11: Safety Car is back in and the race is underway

Lap 10: Kimi Raikkonen is under investigation

Lap 9: Safety Car is out after a collision at Massenet involving Coulthard and Bourdais. Both are out the race. Just moments before Alonso suffered a puncture when he glanced the outside barrier at Massenet

Lap 8: Raikkonen appears to be struggling and is now 11.5s behind Massa

Lap 7: Kubica is hounding Raikkonen for second place. Hamilton is now fifth after his unscheduled stop

Lap 6: Lewis Hamilton has hit the barriers in Tabac and pits because his McLaren with a damaged rigth rear tyre

Lap 5: Glock damaged his front wing when he spun earlier. He heads to the pits for a new nose

Lap 4: Rosberg pits for new nose - he damaged front wing earlier in the race. Timo Glock's also looks damaged

Lap 3: Massa continues to lead in Monaco. He has a 1.3s advantage over Hamilton while Raikkonen is a further 1.9s adrift

Lap 2: Button is now the last driver out on track with Kovalainen one place ahead of himafter the McLaren driver stalled on the grid

Lap 1: Button and Heidfeld make contact as Button gets too close to the BMW driver. Button pits for a new nose

Lap 1: No major incidents in the opening stint of the first lap even though the conditions are very slippery

Lap 1: Massa leads from pole position while a slowish start from Raikkonen allows Hamilton to take second place. Kubica and Alonso are fourth and fifth as the drivers tip-toe around the circuit

START: And it's go in Monaco!

13h04: The drivers line-up on the grid ready for the start of the 78-lap Monaco GP

13h01: Heikki Kovalainen has stalled on the grid. He will have to start from pitlane if he starts at all

13h00: The formation lap is underway. Most of the drivers are using the intermediate tyres

12h58: The rain is coming down a bit harder now as the grid is cleared and the drivers prepare for the formation lap

12h53: The track temperature is 21c, with 20c ambient

12h50: Rain is falling lightly over the circuit with some of the drivers yet to decide which tyres to start the race on. They arrived at the grid on intermediates but could yet change

12h45: Official weather forecast says there's a 60 percent chance of rain at the hour mark

12h40: With 20 minutes to go to the start the track continues to dry out, and there are only a few damp patches around, however, the threat of rain during the race is very high

12h35: David Coulthard, who crashed in qualifying, Giancarlo Fisichella, who needed a new gearbox after Saturday's practice, and Sebastian Vettel, who is racing the new STR3, have all been hit with five-grid slot penalties for changing their gearboxes ahead of today's race. Under the 2008 rules all gearboxes have to last four grands prix

12h30: The pits are now open

12h25: The McLarens, who were expected to take pole position, are on the second row of the grid. However, Ron Dennis has hinted that Lewis Hamilton, who is P3, could be heavily fuelled

12h20: The Brazilian beat his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen to the coveted grid slot - Ferrari's first Monte Carlo pole since 2000

12h15: The wet track, though, won't be as big a problem at the start for those at the front of the grid - especially pole position man Felipe Massa

12h05: The main talking point in the build-up to this afternoon's race is the weather. Showers throughout the morning have left the track very wet and given that it's already a precarious circuit to race on some drivers have voiced their concerns. But a wet, tight, twisty street circuit and a lack of traction control could yet yield a brilliant race!

12h00: Welcome to cover of race day in Monte Carlo - this is the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix!

TURKISH GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

RAIKKONEN PUTS FERRARI IN CHARGE

DENNIS APPLAUDS ‘PHENOMENAL’ LEWIS

REACTION: RED BULL/STR/HONDA/WILLIAMS

Nakajima - difficult race.

Red Bull
Mark Webber: "That was good, a great result which gives us a lot of points. It wasn't the most exciting race in the world in terms of racing, but it was very difficult early on in the wet conditions and we were aqua-planning at Casino. It was definitely over the edge for the intermediate tyres for a few laps when it was raining hard, but then it started to dry and we had to think about changing tyres. It would have been good to have had a little bit more fuel as we had to change to dry tyres maybe five laps earlier than we would have liked. It wasn't ideal, but the team did such a good job, both at the track and at the factory in Milton Keynes, it's great to get a strong result."

David Coulthard: "It's was always going to be a race where you had to be very careful at the beginning. I was having difficulty with my downshifts and got caught out on the entry to Casino; I corrected, corrected and corrected, but then ran out of road. It looked like Sebastien (Bourdais) had a similar event and then found me in an area where he was about to have his crash. I'm extremely disappointed as this is a race where keeping out of trouble gives you a good chance of getting points. But, that said, the boys did a great job to recover the car after the qualifying accident and I'm obviously very happy that they scored a fourth place with Mark."

Toro Rosso:
Sebastian Vettel: "The race today was extremely difficult, especially at the start when with all the water on the track surface there was a lot of aquaplaning. But we were very strong as the track began to dry and that's what made the difference. It's great to score my first points of the season at Monaco and with the new car as well. A big thank you to the team, who worked so hard to understand the car and improve it over the weekend. And a special thanks for the pit stop which was fantastic and gained me two places. These points are a nice present for one of our mechanics, Gaggio, who has been with the team for ever and we will have a nice party for him tonight with something to celebrate as this is his last race with the team."

Sebastien Bourdais: "The conditions were complicated as it is never easy to drive on these intermediate tyres when there is standing water on the track surface. As far as my accident was concerned, David had gone off the track. For some reason, even though it seemed to have stopped raining by then, there was more water on the track at that point than before and when I saw the yellow flags, I backed off a bit more and lost control of the rear of the car."

Honda:
Rubens Barrichello: "It feels great to be back in the points today and I'm really happy for myself and for the team. We had a good race, however it was unfortunate that I was held up by Trulli for so long early on, otherwise it could have been even better. I'm glad to get the monkey off my back in terms of scoring points as it has been quite a wait, but I never lost the faith. We are capable of good points results and I hope this is the start of a stronger period for us. We just need to keep our heads down and keep pushing forward."

Jenson Button: "My race today was really disappointing. I had a bad start and dropped a couple of places after getting caught on the inside of turn one. I got round the outside of Rubens in the hairpin and Webber after the tunnel going into the chicane. I was alongside Heidfeld through the Swimming Pool when he overshot the corner. On the exit, I thought there was enough space for me to go down the inside but there wasn't and I touched his rear wheel with my nose, breaking my front wing and damaging the bargeboards. So unfortunately that was my race compromised on the first lap. Later in the race, I got hit from behind by Kovalainen which damaged the rear and spun me off at the chicane. So it was a messy race and I'm disappointed as we should have come away from here with some points given the pace of the car. However Rubens had a good drive and stayed out of trouble to bring points home for the team, so well done to him."

Williams:
Kazuki Nakajima: "It was really a difficult race, especially at the beginning when the track was very wet. I couldn't see anything in front of me, or at the rear, so I just tried to keep the car on track. I think we had some luck with the weather and the track conditions as I was on a onestop strategy and it really worked well for me. It was a shame to have a problem in my pit-stop, but I still finished in the points so I am quite happy."

Nico Rosberg: No comment as he was taken to hospital

REACTION: RENAULT, RED BULL AND WILLIAMS

REACTION: TOYOTA AND HONDA

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

HAMILTON QUICKEST

Hamilton - cruised around the street circuit.

Lewis Hamilton cruised through the streets of Monte Carlo on Thursday en route to what he hopes will be a maiden Monaco Grand Prix victory.

Hamilton posted the quickest time throughout practice, with the McLaren star's intent clear as he aims to go one better than his second-placed finish of a year ago.

It could all be in vain, though, because despite clear blue skies dominating across the Cote d'Azur, rain is forecast this weekend.

In dry conditions, Hamilton did all that was asked of him as he was comfortably fastest by almost 0.4secs from the Williams of Nico Rosberg.

The 23-year-old's lap of one minute 15.140secs was almost 0.6secs quicker than Fernando Alonso's pole position of last season.

Hamilton knows if he is to take the chequered flag on Sunday, he has to follow in the footsteps of his former team-mate and be at the head of affairs come the start of the race.

Behind Rosberg, reigning world champion and current leader in the drivers' standings Kimi Raikkonen was third overall, close to half a second down.

Fellow Ferrari driver Felipe Massa and McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen were fourth and fifth, and the only other drivers to come within a second of Hamilton's trailblazing time.

Robert Kubica is again firmly in the running as he was sixth, with Alonso seventh for Renault, although the Spaniard cut his session short.

Alonso slid into the barrier on exiting Sainte Devote and removed his rear wing, causing one of two red flags for the day as debris was quickly removed from the circuit.

In the morning session, a slightly-dislodged manhole cover led to a 16-minute delay as track officials ensured it would not work loose and so endanger the drivers.

Alonso, though, had followed the lead of team-mate Nelson Piquet who also damaged his rear wing, but the rookie Brazilian at least returned to the action later in the afternoon session.

Behind Alonso, the Hondas of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello performed admirably, finishing eighth and 10th to sandwich Kazuki Nakajima in his Williams.

David Coulthard, who had suffered a small fire inside his Red Bull to curtail his morning run to three untimed laps, finished 14th in the afternoon.

Times
01 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:15.140 40 laps
02 N. Rosberg Williams 1:15.533 39 laps
03 K. Rдikkцnen Ferrari 1:15.572 42 laps
04 F. Massa Ferrari 1:15.869 37 laps
05 H. Kovalainen McLaren 1:15.881 39 laps
06 R. Kubica BMW 1:16.296 34 laps
07 F. Alonso Renault 1:16.310 27 laps
08 J. Button Honda 1:16.351 45 laps
09 K. Nakajima Williams 1:16.372 40 laps
10 R. Barrichello Honda 1:16.418 32 laps
11 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:16.426 44 laps
12 T. Glock Toyota 1:16.688 46 laps
13 M. Webber Red Bull 1:17.094 39 laps
14 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:17.131 39 laps
15 N. Piquet jr. Renault 1:17.246 35 laps
16 G. Fisichella Force India F1 1:17.251 33 laps
17 J. Trulli Toyota 1:17.379 28 laps
18 S. Bourdais Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:17.581 38 laps
19 A. Sutil Force India F1 1:18.176 31 laps
20 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:18.225 38 laps

RAIKKONEN PUTS FERRARI IN CHARGE

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

HAMILTON KEEPS EYE ON WEATHER

MASSA TAKES POLE

Massa celebrates pole position.

In-form Felipe Massa grabbed pole position for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix on a circuit he admits he loathes.

Massa, who has won two of the last three races, grabbed top spot for the 78-lap showdown around the streets of Monte Carlo to edge out Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen into second.

With an all-red front row, it means Lewis Hamilton's hopes of a win on his favourite track appears unlikely as he starts third in his McLaren.

The qualifying session, though, was overshadowed by an accident involving David Coulthard in Q2.

Coulthard will at least start 10th after walking away unharmed from what initially appeared to be another frightening smash.

Coulthard's right-rear tyre appeared to blow coming out of the tunnel at 175mph, the fastest part of the track, forcing him into a massive shunt into the barrier.

The right-rear wheel eventually worked loose and rolled down the track, whilst Coulthard's car hurtled down the run off area just past the Nouvelle Chicane.

Mercifully for the Scot, the front-right tyre stayed tethered to the car after it appeared to bounce off his helmet at one point.

Five years ago Jenson Button suffered a similar accident at the same point, and was forced out of the grand prix after suffering concussion.

Coulthard, though, was remarkably quick out of his car and back in the garage within 10 minutes discussing the incident with his mechanics.

His team now face a mammoth task to repair the damage ahead of the race as Monaco is the one venue that does not have spare cars due to the limited space in the garage.

Thankfully, the rain showers that had hit the Principality before today's final practice session, and again lightly midway through it, held off during qualifying.

It ensured a dry running, and so affording the drivers the ideal opportunity to post flying laps.

And it was Massa who was out in front for the third time this year and 12th of his career to strengthen Ferrari's grip on this season, and at a track where McLaren were expected to be strong.

Behind Hamilton came his team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, with Robert Kubica fifth in his BMW Sauber, followed by Nico Rosberg in his Williams, Fernando Alonso for Renault and the Toyota of Jarno Trulli.

Behind Coulthard came Toyota's Timo Glock and Button in his Honda in 11th and 12th, amazingly followed by Nick Heidfeld for BMW Sauber in a lowly 13th.

Williams' Kazuki Nakajima and Honda's Rubens Barrichello were 14th and 15th, with the latter due to be investigated by race stewards following an incident in Q1 with Giancarlo Fisichella.

Sebastien Bourdais starts 16th in his Toro Rosso, with Renault's Nelson Piquet 17th after another poor performance for a man whose job is apparently on the line.

The Brazilian ran off the track at Sainte Devote at one stage, and then almost rammed into a barrier on entry to the tunnel later on, before again missing out on Q2.

Behind Piquet come the Force India pairing of Adrian Sutil and Fisichella, the German out-qualifying his team-mate for the first time this season.

Due to a five-place grid penalty stemming from a gearbox change, Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel will start at the back of the field after initially qualifying 18th.

With Toro Rosso running a new car, and with the gearbox in the old car only two races old - they have to last four under regulations imposed for this season - Vettel will bring up the rear.

Scoring Ferrari's first pole since 2000 at this track, a stunned Massa said: "I can't believe I'm on pole!

"I've been learning how to drive here because every time I come here I've struggled.

"But then I managed to put everything together, and I've a great car....it's unbelievable I'm on pole.

"But I did a perfect lap, which is almost impossible to do here."

Reigning world champion Raikkonen, who leads this year's championship by seven points, missed out on pole by 0.028secs with Massa clocking a lap of one minute 15.787secs.

Anticipating a wet race, Raikkonen said: "It will probably be very difficult conditions, so it's going to be good fun."

Hamilton felt he and his team did "a solid job," but added: "We anticipated being quicker and we're surprised by Ferrari's pace.

"I had no problems, the car felt good, and I strung together two solid laps, but the time wasn't there.

"But we've a good strategy, so we will have to hope for the best."

MASSA FINDS PASSPORT TO VICTORY

HAMILTON HOPEFUL OF MAKING A SPLASH

RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED

COULTHARD 'LUCKY' TO ESCAPE

Coulthard - scary crash.

David Coulthard walked away unharmed from a 180mph smash in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix and admitted: "I was lucky."

Coulthard, a two-time winner of the race, in 2000 and 2002, lost control of his Red Bull Racing car as he emerged out of the principality's famed tunnel.

The Scot then speared into a barrier on his right, with the force of the shunt ripping off the right-rear wheel that then bounded down the track.

The right-front wheel mercifully remained tethered, otherwise the 37-year-old would have been smashed on the head as it came within inches of bouncing off his helmet.

As the car proceeded to hurtle down the run-off area beyond the Nouvelle Chicane, Coulthard was nothing more than a passenger as he waited for the secondary impact of a tyre wall.

Remarkably, Coulthard was soon out of his wrecked car and joking with marshals, potentially gallows humour after appreciating how close he had come to suffering serious injury.

Jenson Button sustained concussion and missed the race following his accident at the same part of the circuit five years ago.

In 1994, just two weeks after the deaths of fellow Austrian Roland Ratzenberger and Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna in San Marino, Karl Wendlinger lay in a coma for weeks after his horror smash into the barrier that also accounted for Coulthard.

"That was one of the biggest hits of my career, and it hurt," reflected Coulthard, who suffered a sore head and damaged elbow.

"I knew after the first hit that I definitely didn't want to do a Wendlinger because that would be a big hit.

"Even when I eventually hit the wall, that was still a reasonably big hit, so I'm very lucky today.

"It was the worst place on this track to have an accident because you are doing 180 miles an hour.

"When you lose a corner of the car it doesn't slow down because you have no brakes.

"Only after the first impact do you get scared because then you are a passenger, and you've got time to be scared.

"The big thing was missing the end of the barrier, which honestly I had no control over.

"But after the first impact I wished I was anywhere other than being strapped into a racing car.

"When you lose a corner, you lose the brakes. The fluid is open and so you are pushing the brake pedal and there is nothing.

"It's in the lap of the gods whether you hit one wall or another wall. Today I was lucky.

"It's crazy, but Formula One is a rush, so you put it down to experience and I look forward to the race tomorrow."

However, Coulthard believes some day someone will not be as lucky as he was, or Heikki Kovalainen who only suffered mild concussion at the Spanish Grand Prix a month ago after ploughing into a tyre barrier at 175mph.

"You should never forget with all the politics and all the hoohaa about F1, it is a dangerous business," added Coulthard.

"We are just one moment away from having a big one, which is why the drivers need to be together in the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association), and why the FIA need to continue what they are doing.

"You saw with Heikki, the chassis was broken and his pedals were hanging out, and that's despite the efforts from McLaren and the FIA crash tests.

"It's just a matter of time before we have a big shunt and someone is injured.

"But whilst we don't have it we should rejoice that Formula One is as strong and safe as it is today."

Coulthard's mechanics will now work through the night to repair a car that will start from 10th on the grid.

To add to his woes, Coulthard was earlier fined 2,400 euros (Ј1,910) for speeding in the pit lane during final practice.

COULTHARD QUIET OVER F1 FUTURE

200-UP FOR FISICHELLA

MASSA TAKES POLE

HAMILTON HOPEFUL OF MAKING A SPLASH

Hamilton (left) will start behind the Ferraris.

Lewis Hamilton is convinced a wet Monaco Grand Prix will afford him his best chance of victory.

Hamilton surprisingly failed to add his name to the roll call of honour of nine previous Britons who have qualified on pole for the blue riband event of Formula One.

The 23-year-old had looked strong in practice, and after McLaren's dominance of a year ago was odds-on to join an illustrious list of names that includes Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Sir Jackie Stewart, Graham and Damon Hill, Nigel Mansell, John Watson, David Coulthard and Tony Brooks.

Instead, Hamilton will start from third on the grid behind an all-Ferrari front row of pole-sitter Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

However, while the rain stayed away for qualifying after showers in the morning, there is a 90 per cent chance that the heavens will open on race day, so turning the track into an ice rink and making the race a lottery.

Hamilton believes he can take advantage of such conditions, even if he was hit-and-miss in the wet last year as he slid off at the Nurburgring before trailing home ninth in the European Grand Prix, prior to a fine win at the Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji.

"Tomorrow is going to be a lot harder than the two wet races we had last year, but I've always been strong in the wet," said Hamilton

"As long as we choose the right tyre, I'm fully focused, don't make any mistakes, we should be able to bring the car home in a strong points-scoring finish.

"If it is wet, it will give me even more of an opportunity to win, compared to it being dry because with me third it will be almost impossible to overtake.

"But in the wet, you can get a little closer, you're a little less reliant on downforce and you might be able to push other people into making mistakes.

"I'm sure if it is wet there will be a few safety cars, so it could be a really exciting race."

Despite the Ferraris ahead of him, Hamilton was not too downbeat on a track where it is imperative to be on pole, suggesting his team's strategy could have the edge on the Ferraris.

"I'm confident that one day pretty soon it's going to be an all-silver front row, so I'm not worried by Ferrari," added Hamilton, who has team-mate Heikki Kovalainen behind him in fourth.

"We're a solid team and we're working hard. We are at the top and we can't forget that, whilst there's still a long way to go.

"Tomorrow we can still have a full-silver finish. We're on the second row and can still do a solid job.

"We did anticipate being a little quicker, and we are surprised by Ferrari's pace, but I'm happy with the strategy we're on, so we'll see what happens."

Since Hamilton's pole-to-flag victory in the season-opening race in Australia, Ferrari have almost totally dominated by winning the last four grands prix and being on pole in three of those.

But Hamilton, who trails championship leader Raikkonen by seven points, is not fazed by the form and pace of the scarlet machines.

"I don't get worried," asserted Hamilton.

"There's a concern, it's something we need to try and understand, and work to improve.

"You can see we're quick, that we're very close. We just have to keep on pushing."

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON KEEPS EYE ON WEATHER

MASSA MAKING MOST OF MONACO

Massa - loathes Monaco.

Felipe Massa loathes the Monaco Grand Prix with a passion, but he remains hell-bent on making it three wins in four races this year.

Massa is currently the man in form after taking 28 points from the last 30 on offer following a miserable start to the season in which he drew a blank in the opening two rounds.

The Brazilian is now level on points with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and just seven behind his Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

Although confidence is understandably high, Massa is on a far-from-happy hunting ground in Monte Carlo, with his best finish a third last year.

Despite the circuit at the Principality being steeped in history, Massa does not class the tight, twisty public roads as "a real track".

"I don't like Monaco; I just don't like it, that's it," insisted Massa.

"I prefer tracks like Turkey and Spa, with quick corners - real tracks.

"Even the new circuits, Bahrain and China, I prefer much more than here. A street circuit is not very fun to drive.

"I just don't have fun when I drive here, but that doesn't mean I can't be competitive.

"I have had some very good races lately and I want to keep scoring a lot of points. I want to keep the momentum going.

"We have a chance to fight again in this race, and I am 100% motivated to fight for the victory again.

"If it is possible to win we need to do everything we can, but if not, we need to finish in a good position and bring home as many points as we can.

"We all know how very important that can be at the end of the season."

However, there could be a real shake-up this weekend as it appears increasingly likely the race will be a wet one, with a 90% chance of rain.

For Massa, such a threat merely heightens his chagrin regarding Monaco, adding: "It was already difficult here with traction control, without it, it will be a lottery.

"Whoever drives very carefully will have a chance to win.

"But the problem is, without traction control in the wet, you have to learn all over again about the corners.

"Every lap you push more and more to hit the limit, and sometimes if you pass it, you end up in the wall.

"It was like that with traction control anyway, without I don't know how it is going to be, other than very tough."

BUTTON WARY OF WET MONACO

RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED

BERGER BACKS MOSLEY

Berger - backing Mosley.

Max Mosley opted to keep his counsel on his return to the Formula One paddock for the first time since becoming engulfed in scandal.

Instead, it was left to others to speak on his behalf, especially Toro Rosso's Gerhard Berger who on Thursday became the first team principal to publicly offer his support for the FIA president.

Mosley faces a vote of confidence at an extraordinary meeting of the FIA general assembly in Paris on June 3 at which it will be decided whether he is fit to remain in office.

Lurid details of his private life were exposed by the News of the World at the end of March.

The 68-year-old is suing the Sunday tabloid for breach of privacy and is looking to claim unlimited damages.

To date, with the hearing in just 11 days' time, senior figures in the paddock have refused to comment on the matter.

Yet in a stage-managed way, a distinct pro-Mosley panel was on hand for the team bosses FIA press conference, and it was Berger who made his views clear.

"It's an entirely private thing. It's something that has happened with grown-up people, nothing which is against the law," assessed the Austrian, a co-owner of Toro Rosso.

"I have to say I'm very surprised how many angels there are around here, especially in Formula One. Suddenly everyone seems to be very clean and very nice.

"But to connect this to the job of Max Mosley, as FIA president, I don't think is right.

"I've been in Formula One a long time now, I've seen many things, and I've been racing in the Max Mosley era, and in the position that I'm in now.

"I think there are very few people - maybe nobody - who has had such an impact on safety for motor sport as Max.

"If you think back, especially after what happened in '94 at Imola (Ayrton Senna's death), it needed a very strong guy to change a lot of things: race tracks, crash tests etc.

"And to see an accident, like (Robert) Kubica's last year in Canada for example, before then you would have had no chance to survive.

"I think he has had a lot of input, even in road car safety, and all these improvements in the crash tests save a lot of lives.

"I think it's not fair to see it through the glasses as some people have tried to see it at the moment.

"I think it should be totally decided by the automobile clubs and by himself, how the future of the FIA goes. It should not be run by newspapers or us.

"I just know one thing: the sport needs a strong, competitive guy who understands the business.

"We definitely have this with Max, and hopefully we will have in the future."

Although Mosley visited the paddock on Thursday, he refused to speak to any members of the media.

Instead, he conducted scheduled meetings with Force India co-owner Vijay Mallya and Williams chief executive Adam Parr, both of whom were also in the press conference.

Mosley also met with Michel Boeri, the president of the Automobile Club de Monaco and president of the FIA Senate.

ECCLESTONE WARNING

MOSLEY WILL GO TO MONACO

HAMILTON UNDER PRESSURE - HAKKINEN

Hamilton at Monaco.

Double world champion Mika Hakkinen believes Lewis Hamilton is a man under pressure inside McLaren.

Hakkinen made his name and won his titles with McLaren, where he sees Hamilton as team leader ahead of Finnish compatriot Heikki Kovalainen following Fernando Alonso's exit.

McLaren would dispute such a remark as they insist their drivers are treated equally, but Hakkinen's insight cannot be discounted due to the fact he spent nine years with the Woking-based marque.

In many respects, Hakkinen was viewed as 'number one' at McLaren ahead of David Coulthard during his time with the team.

With Alonso out of the picture, Hakkinen sees Hamilton as the main man, and with that comes the burden of responsibility.

"Lewis has an interesting career in front of him at the moment, but he is living in a very extreme situation," remarked Hakkinen.

"He started his career at McLaren with a double world champion team-mate, and I'm sure he got a lot of good information from him.

"I'm sure Lewis learned a lot from him in terms of how to operate inside a team and how to set the car up.

"Now Lewis is in a situation where he is the leader of the team, and so he is under pressure to develop the car, make it fast and show he can get results for the team.

"The pressure is very high on him. He definitely has consistent talent and he can provide performance, but as I said, the pressure is part of the game and he could start making mistakes."

Hamilton certainly did that in Bahrain, but has bounced back, most notably in Turkey two weeks ago when he finished within touching distance of Felipe Massa, despite running a three-stop strategy.

Heading into Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix, the 23-year-old trails current leader and reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen by seven points.

After emerging strongest in practice yesterday, Hamilton is the likely favourite for victory.

If achieved, he would become only the fifth Briton to triumph at the Principality behind Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard.

Becoming a world champion is a different matter, as Hakkinen knows only too well as it took him seven years before winning the first of his back-to-back titles in 1998.

"To become a world champion is not easy, even when you have the right chassis, engine and team," reflected Hakkinen.

"You have to be ready to be a world champion, very clear in your mind, a little bit angry inside to be able to win it.

"In my grand prix career it took me quite a while before I won my first championship, quite a few years.

"You do need very good support and great management behind you, to help clear your mind through every test session and grand prix, to ensure you are fully focused.

"You need great confidence from the team to make sure you get the results, and to go on and win it in the end.

"Everything has to be in the right place, but it's a complicated process and you have to be patient because it can take a long time."

Hakkinen was speaking in his role as ambassador for the Johnnie Walker Responsible Drinking programme, with Hamilton aiding the cause.

After missing out on the world championship by a point last year, Hamilton is now fully aware of just how difficult it is to emerge with the title.

So when asked whether he could emulate Hakkinen's double feat, he replied: "My goal in life is to win a world championship.

"But I've not even got my first yet, so it would be a dream, an amazing accomplishment to emulate Mika.

"He has set a lot of records and come a long way, so it would be difficult to do what he has done, but I will try my best."

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

HAMILTON KEEPS EYE ON WEATHER

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON KEEPS EYE ON WEATHER

Hamilton - not relishing the prospects of wet weather.

Lewis Hamilton was bathed in Monaco's sunshine - but is wary of the dark clouds looming on the horizon.

Hamilton posted the quickest time throughout practice, with the McLaren star's intent clear as he aims to go one better than his second-place finish of a year ago.

It could all be in vain, though, because despite clear blue skies dominating across the Cote d'Azur, rain is forecast this weekend.

In dry conditions, Hamilton did all that was asked of him as he was comfortably fastest by almost 0.4 seconds from the Williams of Nico Rosberg.

The 23-year-old's lap of one minute 15.140secs was almost 0.6secs quicker than Fernando Alonso's pole position of last season.

For Hamilton, it was a thrill to again drive his favourite circuit as he said: "I simply love Monaco and enjoy every single moment I get to spend on the track.

"The car felt great almost immediately, and I was able to show a good pace from the very beginning.

"There is a long way to go, but I enjoy this so much and we will work hard to continue making progress."

Just how much progress is made, though, will depend on the weather because after Friday's traditional rest day, Hamilton can expect very different conditions for Saturday and Sunday.

"It will be especially difficult here in the wet, especially this year without traction control," added Hamilton.

"Pedro de la Rosa (McLaren test driver) made a comment at the last test that it is incredibly difficult to get to full throttle here in the wet.

"And with this circuit being so tight, I think it's going to be a disaster.

"But despite that, I'm still looking forward to it. It's going to be a challenge."

Trailing Kimi Raikkonen by seven points in the drivers' standings, Hamilton is dismissive of the fact he has to win on this track to keep the pressure on the Finn.

But on the other hand, he knows just how much it would mean to all concerned at McLaren were he to take the chequered flag.

"I don't have to win, but I have to score points, that's the key," assessed Hamilton.

"Obviously I want to win the race, and although I don't see it as vital we win for the title challenge, for sure it would help."

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON LEARNS FROM ROAD RAGE

HAMILTON'S MONACO GUESSING GAME

Hamilton with his diamond-encrusted helmet.

Lewis Hamilton will rely on "instinct and memory" in a bid to tame the streets of Monte Carlo.

Hamilton heads to the world's most famous track for this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix in buoyant mood after a stirring drive in Istanbul nine days ago.

A tyre issue forced Hamilton into a three-stop strategy but that did not deter the McLaren star from coming within a few seconds of victory behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

Hamilton is now within seven points of championship leader and reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen ahead of Sunday's blue riband event on the Formula One calendar.

The race around the principality is Hamilton's favourite and, after finishing second to then team-mate Fernando Alonso a year ago, he is eager for victory.

"It is the grand prix every driver wants to win," said the 23-year-old.

"You have the history all around, you can just feel it, and the atmosphere is fantastic.

"Being a street circuit it is very exciting to drive, there is no room for any error all weekend.

"You are on the limit the whole time. There are no long straights where you have a moment to think.

"It is so tight and narrow, and when you consider how quick you are driving it is unreal.

"But to be quick you need to use every centimetre of the circuit, this even includes touching the barriers at some points.

"You are hitting some corners at 180mph. As you are braking down you know there is no run-off area, you can't see the exit.

"All you can see is directly what is in front of you, probably about 50 metres.

"In some corners it is almost a guess. You are guessing where the car should be, hoping you are in the right place, relying on your instinct and memory."

Although the McLaren should be better suited to the track than the Ferraris, Hamilton is refusing to go out on a limb and predict he will win.

"Unpredictable is the word that sums up Monaco from a performance perspective," he added.

"It was a great race in Turkey, so we know the performance is there, but at Monaco literally anything can happen."

Although Hamilton will sport a diamond-studded helmet courtesy of one of the team's sponsors, Steinmetz, the glitz and glamour that invariably surrounds the race will be far from his mind.

"It is not a distraction in any way," he insisted. "As with any race I am just fully focused on getting the job done.

"Monaco weekend more than any other is about being 100 per cent in the zone, and so I will just keep myself to myself."

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

BUTTON WARY OF WET MONACO

Button - fears a wet weekend.

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."

HAMILTON’S MONACO GUESSING GAME

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

ALONSO HOPING, NOT EXPECTING

ECCLESTONE QUESTIONS SILVERSTONE

Ecclestone - again raised doubts.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has again placed a question mark over the future of the British Grand Prix.

Next year's race at Silverstone will be the last under the British Racing Drivers Club's current deal with Ecclestone and the new one remains unsigned.

European race promoters currently pay around Ј11.2million to host grands prix - a figure that is due to rise at a rate of five per cent per annum - and there appears to be a sticking point over the price.

Ecclestone, who has been a frequent critic of Silverstone's facilities in the past, said in the Daily Telegraph: "I suppose they could come back to me. They could get the building done in six months. But I would not put any money on it.

"The BRDC know the terms. If they meet them, then we are in business. But at the moment they can't and therefore there is no race in 2010."

ECCLESTONE WARNING

SCHUMACHER ENTERS SUPERBIKES

RAIKKONEN PUTS FERRARI IN CHARGE

Raikkonen - posted fastest time.

Kimi Raikkonen underlined his belief Ferrari will be a force at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

Reigning world champion Raikkonen, who also leads this season's drivers' standings by seven points, posted the quickest time in first practice under clear blue skies on the French Riviera.

However, the 20 drivers on show around the streets of Monte Carlo should enjoy the conditions while they last as rain is forecast throughout the weekend, more prominently on race day.

In dry conditions, Raikkonen edged out Lewis Hamilton by 0.268 seconds as he set a lap time of one minute 15.948secs in his Ferrari.

McLaren star Hamilton had led proceedings for the majority of the 90-minute session that had to be red-flagged for 16 minutes due to concerns over a manhole cover on a section of the public road.

But Hamilton, who was runner-up in last year's race, was forced to settle for second again as Ferrari - and Raikkonen in particular after the team's trouncing on this circuit last year - signalled their intent.

Heikki Kovalainen was third quickest, exactly 0.3secs down, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa completing a not entirely unexpected top four.

They were followed by Williams' Nico Rosberg and Robert Kubica in his BMW Sauber, with Fernando Alonso - winner here of the last two races - seventh for Renault, but over 1.5secs down on Raikkonen.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello, the Red Bull of Mark Webber and Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella - on the occasion of his 200th grands prix - completed the top 10, all within two seconds of the leader.

Jenson Button was 12th, 2.2secs adrift in his Honda, with David Coulthard at the bottom of the standings without setting a time due to a small fire early on in his Red Bull.

BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld also suffered problems, slowing and pulling off track just before Casino Square, as did Jarno Trulli who buckled his left-rear wheel after clipping a barrier coming out of the tunnel.

Times
01 K. Rдikkцnen Ferrari 1:15.948 26 laps
02 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:16.216 26 laps
03 H. Kovalainen McLaren 1:16.248 27 laps
04 F. Massa Ferrari 1:16.292 25 laps
05 N. Rosberg Williams 1:16.653 27 laps
06 R. Kubica BMW 1:16.653 27 laps
07 F. Alonso Renault 1:17.498 25 laps
08 R. Barrichello Honda 1:17.511 26 laps
09 M. Webber Red Bull 1:17.798 22 laps
10 G. Fisichella Force India F1 1:17.883 26 laps
11 T. Glock Toyota 1:17.942 26 laps
12 J. Button Honda 1:18.153 25 laps
13 S. Bourdais Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:18.245 30 laps
14 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:18.263 13 laps
15 K. Nakajima Williams 1:18.274 28 laps
16 J. Trulli Toyota 1:18.360 16 laps
17 A. Sutil Force India F1 1:18.360 25 laps
18 N. Piquet jr. Renault 1:18.955 32 laps
19 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:19.176 35 laps
20 D. Coulthard Red Bull no time 3 laps

RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

KIMI SETS PACE IN FRANCE

ECCLESTONE WARNING

Ecclestone - does not want a war.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has warned FIA president Max Mosley against waging war over control of the sport.

Mosley last week wrote a letter to all the presidents of the FIA's member clubs insisting a vote of confidence on his future in Paris next month should not just be about whether he is fit to continue in office.

The 68-year-old, whose private life was recently exposed by the News of the World, maintains there is a power struggle currently engulfing F1.

Although Mosley does not name Ecclestone in his letter, he refers on several occasions to the Formula One Commercial Rights Holder, or CRH, which is Ecclestone.

Mosley states the FIA is "in the middle of a renegotiation of the 100-year commercial agreement (that began in 2000)" with the CRH.

Mosley maintains the CRH has "asked for control of the Formula One regulations and the right to sell the business to anyone - in effect to take over Formula One completely."

Mosley is refusing to allow this, and believes if he were to be voted out it would seriously weaken the FIA's position.

Speaking to The Times, Ecclestone has dismissed the claims, insisting: "This whole business is really about what was printed in the News of the World and whether this in any way damaged the FIA clubs or the FIA - that's all.

"It's nothing to do with anything else and I don't quite know why he's come out and said these things.

"I am sorry if the press have reported things which he doesn't like, but we certainly don't have any influence over the FIA.

"I sincerely hope it isn't a declaration of war because, if that's what the message should be, then we'll have to defend ourselves.

"That is what anyone would do. I don't believe that's what Max wanted the letter to say. I don't want to have a war with Max. I hope he doesn't want one with me."

Ecclestone, along with the board of CVC Capital Partners, which owns the commercial rights to F1, are to reply to the FIA club presidents with a letter of their own.

After a meeting on Tuesday between CVC and Ecclestone, the latter added: "We have decided we are going to contact all the clubs who Max wrote to, with a reply to the matters raised in his letter."

Referring to the extraordinary meeting on June 3, Ecclestone said: "I think the general assembly of the FIA was called for one reason only - to decide whether or not they think Max is the right person to be their president.

"The vote will be on that, not about the Concorde Agreement (the contract under which the teams race in Formula One)."

MOSLEY WILL GO TO MONACO

NOVAK APOLOGISES FOR McLAREN SLUR

HAMILTON LEARNS FROM ROAD RAGE

Hamilton and Alonso - feud simmered at Monaco.

Lewis Hamilton has no regrets about his post-Monaco fury a year ago but concedes to being "older, wiser and more mature" as a result.

Hamilton conjured one of last season's most famous quotes after being ordered to remain behind then McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso, despite being undoubtedly quicker.

After finishing second to Alonso after 78 punishing laps around the streets of the Principality, an unhappy Hamilton stated: "I've number two on my car, and I'm the number two driver."

In many respects it was the spark that lit the touchpaper to the feud that initially simmered between the duo, before exploding in spectacular fashion later in the season.

Looking back one year on, Hamilton fully appreciates why he was told not to attack the Spaniard, but feels he was right to speak out and press home his claims for equal rights.

"I was happy that I was on the podium. It was a great finish, it was great for the team," reflected the 23-year-old.

"At the time I wanted to win because it is one of the most special races there is. Looking back, the team did the right thing, but I don't have any regrets with regard to what I did or said last year.

"As a team player, at the end of the day we finished one-two and scored some points.

"It was the right decision because if something had have happened then it would have been a disaster, so I was happy for the team.

"So right now, I would say I'm older, wiser and more mature for the event."

There was no doubting Hamilton's frustration at the time, with the Briton forced to stare at the rear end of Alonso's McLaren nearly all race.

"You learn a lot when you are behind someone," insisted Hamilton.

"I just had to look at it and say 'I'm here in Formula One, it is my first Monaco Grand Prix and if I don't win it I'm still second on the podium'.

"I had to be happy with that. I think anyone would have been happy with that.

"At the end of the day I learned how to keep the car on the track, and throughout the race you improve.

"You also learn more and more about the circuit, so coming here I should hopefully be in a better position."

Hamilton is determined to go one better than last year, believing it takes a certain kind of courage to emerge victorious.

"Everyone knows at this track the driver has more of an influence, that he can get more out of the car by being more on the edge," assessed Hamilton, who trails championship leader Kimi Raikkonen by seven points ahead of Sunday's race.

"I think every circuit we go to the driver can make a difference, but here it can mean a much bigger difference as it is so narrow, so tight.

"It's about the driver with the biggest balls who can get closest to the barriers.

"I remember last year's race, exiting the swimming pool (complex) I touched the barrier nearly every lap with my front wing or my tyre chasing down Fernando.

"I do feel to be on the limit, to get pole position, to be out front, to be the fastest, you have to use every inch of the road.

"Some people might be a foot or two feet away (from the barriers), but I'm not. So fingers crossed it will work this weekend."

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON LEARNS HARSH LESSON

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

200-UP FOR FISICHELLA

Fisichella - 200th Grand Prix.

Giancarlo Fisichella is hoping to celebrate joining Formula One's '200 club' this weekend by claiming Force India's first point.

Fisichella becomes only the ninth driver to reach the milestone, joining an elite group that includes Rubens Barrichello, Riccardo Patrese, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard, Gerhard Berger, Andrea de Cesaris, Nelson Piquet and Jean Alesi.

To mark the occasion at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, the veteran Italian will sport a new set of race overalls and helmet bearing a '200' logo.

Although the race will undoubtedly be a special one for the 35-year-old, it is up to himself and the team to provide icing on the cake.

"Monaco will be my 200th race start, and it feels a long way away from my debut that's for sure," reflected Fisichella, who began his career with Minardi in Australia 12 years ago.

"I still feel as good and confident as I did back then, and there is definitely a feeling of satisfaction to reach a milestone that only a handful of other drivers have achieved.

"Even more satisfying is to know I have a lot more to give and I am still motivated to do well, although Rubens' record of 257 starts will be hard to beat.

"But to celebrate this at Monaco is fantastic as it's the best track in the world, one of my favourites.

"It's certainly the best place for a celebration - I have to hope we can celebrate a good result on Sunday too.

"Last year was particularly good as I came home fourth (with Renault) when no-one was expecting it.

"Realistically, this year we can't hope for fourth, but one point is my target - anything on top of that is a bonus.

"Although we have a new aero package that will help us, the whole race is a lottery, so you've got to be lucky too."

After Force India's back-of-the-grid performance in Turkey 10 days ago, it is hard to imagine the team breaking their duck around the streets of Monte Carlo.

Ever the optimist, though, team co-owner Vijay Mallya is convinced Force India are on the verge of a breakthrough.

"We intend to put on a good show in Monaco," asserted the Indian billionaire.

"Turkey might have seemed disappointing from the outside, but I did not leave the track feeling down at heart.

"We were certainly no further back from the opposition than we have been in previous races. In fact, compared to the fastest time of the weekend, we were the closest we have been all year.

"Our position is now just a measure of how competitive F1 is this year, with no inefficient teams, just 10 professional ones.

"Monaco is a real driver's track and I have every confidence in both my drivers here - just look at their track records.

"Giancarlo, who reaches a great career milestone this weekend, has achieved some fantastic results here against expectations.

"While Adrian (Sutil) posted the fastest time in practice on Saturday morning last year - that tells a story of its own."

That, though, was derived from bizarre circumstances as Sutil's time came as the rain had eased at the end of the hour-long session.

DOUBLE-TON FISI ‘STILL YOUNG’

REACTION: TORO ROSSO AND FORCE INDIA

RAIKKONEN: FERRARI BETTER EQUIPPED

Raikkonen - lapped here last year.

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."

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

ALONSO HOPING, NOT EXPECTING

Alonso - says he's fighting for seventh.

Fernando Alonso appreciates a hat-trick of Monaco Grand Prix wins is beyond his reach this weekend, yet he concedes there is always room for a surprise.

Alonso emerged victorious round the streets of the principality with Renault in 2006 and McLaren a year ago as team orders kept a charging Lewis Hamilton at bay.

Now with Renault again, it is inconceivable Alonso will make it three in a row as the French marque have struggled to keep pace with front-running Ferrari, McLaren and BMW Sauber this season.

However, there were signs at the last race in Istanbul that the double world champion and the team are beginning to find their feet and make their mark.

As far as the Spaniard is concerned, he is arguably the happiest he has been this year.

"In Turkey we showed the progress we made in Spain was not simply a coincidence," reflected Alonso on his sixth-place finish at the Istanbul Park circuit.

"I scored three points, although it's fair to say that the problem Heikki (Kovalainen) had at the start of the race helped me.

"But they were three very important points, and it's proof we are improving and fighting back.

"There is still a lot to do before we can fight at the front, but we are moving in the right direction and are more determined than ever to get there.

"Although we have progressed, we are still behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW.

"Even though Monaco is a circuit where the driver can really make the difference, a good car will always be an advantage and makes things easier.

"But we will try and spring a surprise and make the most of our opportunities.

"At the moment we are fighting for seventh place, but as we saw in Istanbul, it is possible to do better if one of the favourites has a problem.

"We therefore need to be ready for any chance that comes our way."

Although Alonso is fully expecting to be behind the leading trio of teams, he knows the circuit's unpredictability can throw up a strange set of circumstances and results.

"It is an unusual circuit, and I have some good memories there because to win in Monaco is very special for a driver," added Alonso.

"It's a race I enjoy because the atmosphere is unique and driving through the town is very exciting.

"It's also a race where you cannot afford to make any mistakes, and this year the race promises to be very interesting."

ALONSO OUT TO SPRING A SURPRISE

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

TITLE CHANCES FADING FOR HEIKKI

ALONSO OUT TO SPRING A SURPRISE

Alonso - targeting surprise result.

Fernando Alonso reckons he could pull off a surprise at this weekend's Monaco GP, although concedes Renault aren't yet a top-three team.

The Spaniard, who has struggled for pace for most of the season, has seen his team improve over the last two races. In both Spain and Turkey Renault's R28 made the most of its aerodynamic upgrade to move near the front of the midfield pack.

However, in Monaco it's not pace that counts, which means Alonso, who won the last two editions of the Monte Carlo street race, could yet put an end to this season's Ferrari/McLaren domination.

"We have progressed, but we are still behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW," the double World Champion said.

"Even though Monaco is a circuit where the driver can really make the difference, a good car will always be an advantage and makes things easier.

"But we will try and spring a surprise and make the most of our opportunities.

"At the moment we are fighting for seventh place, but, as we saw in Istanbul, it is possible to do better if one of the favourites has a problem. We therefore need to be ready for any chance that comes our way."

Alonso is currently eighth in the Drivers' standings having bagged nine points, three of which came at the last race in Turkey - a race that went a long way towards cementing Renault's progress.

"I am really happy. In Turkey we showed that the progress we made in Spain was not simply a coincidence," he said.

"I scored three points, although it's fair to say that the problem Heikki (Kovalainen) had at the start of the race helped me. These are three very important points and it's proof that we are improving and fighting back.

"There is still a lot to do before we can fight at the front, but we are moving in the right direction and we are more determined than ever to get there."

ALONSO HOPING, NOT EXPECTING

REACTION: RENAULT, RED BULL AND WILLIAMS

HAMILTON WON'T LET STANDARDS SLIP

Hamilton (right) was edged out by Massa.

Lewis Hamilton has vowed to remain hard on himself if it continues to yield performances such as his power-packed drive in Istanbul.

Hamilton was back to his brilliant best in the Turkish Grand Prix, capturing a superb second place following an enthralling see-saw battle with Felipe Massa.

The 23-year-old's dazzling display was all the more remarkable as McLaren were forced to execute a three-stop strategy due to fears relating to the Bridgestone tyres.

Hamilton drove for 58 laps with the nagging thought he could fly off the Istanbul Park circuit at 200mph at any moment due to an exploding tyre, as happened in last year's race.

But the young Briton held his nerve to finish within four seconds of Massa and move within seven points of championship leader and reigning world title-holder Kimi Raikkonen, who was third.

A smiling Hamilton later hailed his performance as the best of his career, in contrast to his sombre mood 24 hours earlier following a disappointing qualifying as he felt he had failed to give 100 per cent.

Hamilton was annoyed, and not for the first time this season as he was bitterly angry with himself following a poor race in Bahrain where he made mistakes.

When Hamilton 'beats himself up' it appears to bring the best out in him, as was the case on Sunday.

"I'm always hard on myself," insisted Hamilton.

"I sat down after qualifying and I was very ticked off with myself because I was unhappy with the job I did.

"At the end of the day the team give me a car and I have to go out and drive 100 per cent, and I didn't extract 100 per cent from the car.

"That's why I'm always hard on myself because we're top drivers and we should be able to do that.

"However, if I am given a problem, I deal with it and so do the team, and that's why I still believe that we are the best."

Team boss Ron Dennis knows there will be no let-up from Hamilton, on and off track, as he seeks perfection.

"Lewis is always hard on himself, always honest, and what he says is what he believes," remarked Dennis.

McLaren F1 chief executive Martin Whitmarsh feels Hamilton could possibly have won the race if he had done a better job in qualifying and been on pole.

Asked whether he shared Hamilton's view that it was the drive of his career, Whitmarsh replied: "My memory is so short that I don't want to draw comparisons.

"It was certainly his finest race this year, and with the odds against him he was just flat out.

"His in and out laps were great and the team did a superb job in the pitstops. He took the race to Ferrari throughout.

"It would have been difficult to have won from pole, but given his performance in the race he possibly could have done."

Splitting the Ferraris was good enough for Hamilton, especially with Raikkonen behind him and so closing the gap to the current leader.

"I knew it was going to be very tough to challenge the Ferraris, and to be honest we were just hoping to get some points," added Hamilton.

"To finish in the top five would have been good, but the balance of the car was great, and on the hard tyres I was able to keep up with Felipe and even overtake him.

"It was a great result, and I am thrilled to have come second from third."

Hamilton now heads to two of his favourite circuits in Monte Carlo and Montreal hoping to gain further ground.

However, one possible concern is the car has struggled on twisty sections of tracks, as was the case in Istanbul, and prior to that in Barcelona.

But a dismissive Hamilton said: "I don't see it as a worry.

"In Barcelona the last sector, which was all tight corners, they (Ferrari) were a little bit quicker than us.

"It was the same in Istanbul with the last three corners where they seemed to take quite a lot out of us.

"We will now try to understand exactly why and keep pushing to improve. I have no doubts we can do that."

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

KIMI HAPPY DESPITE PROBLEMS

COULTHARD QUIET OVER F1 FUTURE

Coulthard - quiet over future.

David Coulthard is refusing to follow the lead adopted by Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber as he has vowed to keep his cards close to his chest regarding his future.

Australian Webber confirmed at the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul nine days ago negotiations had started with the team in relation to an extension to his contract.

Coulthard feels there was an ulterior motive to the announcement, and he said: "Mark told the media over the Istanbul weekend that he had opened talks with Red Bull to extend his contract.

"If I try to rationalise why he would say that, I can only presume it was either to stimulate talks with the team or interest in the rest of the paddock, reminding people he's on the market.

"When you think about it logically, you do your private negotiations in private, and then when you've reached an agreement you make an announcement.

"You don't normally say, 'Er, I'm about to enter negotiations'. So I would conclude it was a positioning tactic rather than anything else."

If veteran Coulthard's theory is correct, Webber is undoubtedly in the ideal position after scoring all the team's points so far this season.

Coulthard has suffered a run of wretched luck, but if team boss Christian Horner is chasing points and performance, Webber is the man in the driving seat when it comes to a new deal.

With rumours Sebastian Vettel will step up from sister team Toro Rosso for next year, it appears likely Coulthard and Webber are fighting it out for the remaining race seat.

Yet speaking in his column for ITV, Coulthard is unwilling to play Webber's game.

He added: "As far as my own situation goes, I will keep my own counsel until I have a firm deal to announce."

REACTION: RENAULT, RED BULL AND WILLIAMS

KUBICA IN DARK OVER FUTURE

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

Hamilton inspects his new helmet.

The glitz and glamour of Monaco is due to go to the head of Lewis Hamilton next week - in the form of a diamond-encrusted helmet.

Steinmetz, self-styled 'creators of the world's finest diamonds' have again linked up with McLaren and drivers Hamilton and team-mate Heikki Kovalainen ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.

They will sport race helmets personalised to their own taste that they will use throughout the grand prix weekend.

On top of each helmet the signature of the driver has been paved with a line of hundreds of Steinmetz diamonds.

On the side, and for the first time in Formula One history, the sponsor's logo appears with the application of more diamonds.

Hamilton, presented with his helmet earlier this week at McLaren's technology centre in Woking, said: "As some people might know I am very particular about mynd."

Kovalainen will receive his helmet in Monaco on Wednesday.

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

SCHUMACHER ENTERS SUPERBIKES

Schumacher - 23rd quickest in practice.

Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is set to race in the German International Motorcycle Championship in Oschersleben.

Schumacher, who had been testing with Italian manufacturer Ducati, rode a Honda to the 23rd quickest time during Saturday's practice session for the superbike race on Sunday.

The 39-year-old had originally been entered under an assumed name but was forced to use his real name for insurance reasons.

MASSA FINDS PASSPORT TO VICTORY

HAMILTON LEARNS HARSH LESSON

FIVE-PLACE GRID PENALTY FOR VETTEL

Vettel - handed Monaco penalty.

The debut of Toro Rosso's STR3 at the Monaco Grand Prix will come at a cost to Sebastian Vettel.

The German will drop five places down the grid at Monte Carlo because the STR3 will use a different gearbox than the one that was used at the Turkish GP a fortnight ago.

Vettel raced with the STR2B in Istanbul and under 2008 regulations the same gearbox must be used for four races.

Vettel's team-mate Sebastien Bourdais will not face the same penalty because he did not finish the race in Turkey.

REACTION: TORO ROSSO AND FORCE INDIA

TURKISH GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

HAMILTON LEARNS HARSH LESSON

Hamilton - flew in wearing his overalls.

As lessons go, it was a harsh one to learn, but Lewis Hamilton is now hopefully older and wiser after the event.

Initially, it appeared a 'cool' thing to do - being strapped into a harness and flying several feet above a stage.

Sadly for Hamilton, as embarrassing photographs have since proven, the 23-year-old appeared anything but cool.

It is one of those moments you can file under the 'what the hell did I do that for?' category, and simply consign it to memory.

As theatrical debuts go, Hamilton bombed.

But then he was hardly dressed for the part, playing the role of Greek God Apollo in a historical reworking of the battle of Troy.

The problem was that while the actors below him fought with gusto in traditional costume, Hamilton 'flew' in wearing his fireproof McLaren overalls, complete with sponsors logos.

The primary one, of course, is Vodafone, who are reputedly forking out Ј300million over five years in support of Ron Dennis' team.

They could argue for that kind of money they are entitled to use Hamilton and team-mate Heikki Kovalainen for whatever purpose to ensure maximum exposure of their brand.

Vodafone certainly made the headlines last week with a wide-eyed Hamilton waving to a somewhat incredulous crowd.

But Hamilton looked as out of place as a green, three-eyed alien that had just landed from Mars in the middle of Hyde Park.

If the young Briton had been dressed in the appropriate garb and maybe brandishing a sword with the word Vodafone written along the blade, that would at least have been a little more in keeping.

In the immediate aftermath, and sensing the reaction to his aerial 'performance' was mixed, he initially enquired as to whether he appeared "a bit weird?"

It is fair to say Hamilton seemed slightly hurt when the reply was 'yes'.

The day after the display before, and with his embarrassment on show for the entire world to see as pictures adorned the papers, Hamilton's demeanour changed markedly.

Vodafone certainly cannot dispute the fact they enjoyed publicity above and beyond what might reasonably have been expected from the event.

Hamilton, though, recognised his stunt was 'the pits' as he later said: "I just turned up and got on with what I was told to do.

"But now I've seen the footage and it's one of the worst things I've ever seen.

"At the end of the day, I have a cool image and things like that don't help. That really was not cool."

Oh dear! A major PR own goal if ever there was one.

It perhaps brings into focus the need for Hamilton to have a respected public relations figure fighting his corner.

After all, coming just three days ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix, it was hardly the ideal way for Hamilton to spend his time.

Can you imagine the like of Tiger Woods engaging in such a toe-curling exercise just before the start of one of golf's majors?

In life, though, everybody is prone to the odd error, and Hamilton is surely savvy enough now not to fall for the same mistake twice.

Hopefully, despite the millions of pounds ploughed into McLaren by Vodafone, he will also have the courage to stand up to them and say the next time he feels something is not right.

************

It would be fair to assume that as a Formula One driver you would expect the odd perk during your career - but how about your own loo?

Well, that is exactly the privilege Ralf Schumacher enjoyed during his three years with Toyota, on top of his reported Ј15million per year salary.

Upon joining the Japanese manufacturing giants, the 32-year-old German was shown the various facilities on offer in the paddock hospitality units that are used for European grands prix.

When it came to the lavatory, Schumacher came across all diva-like and asked for the key to ensure he, and only he alone, could make use of it.

For Schumacher, who never won a race for Toyota prior to his exit at the end of last season, he at least guaranteed he would be number one in taking a number one!

HAMILTON WILL SPARKLE

SCHUMACHER ENTERS SUPERBIKES

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

REACTION: RENAULT, RED BULL AND WILLIAMS

Webber in action on Sunday.

Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg all scored points for their teams in Sunday's Turkish GP.

Renault
Fernando Alonso: "We were on the pace this weekend and scored some valuable points today, which confirms the progress we have made recently and is thanks to the hard work of everyone in the team. I made a good start, which was essential for a strong race and after that everything went smoothly. We had a good strategy, the car was well balanced and there were no problems with the tyres, so I am happy. Now we must continue working hard to catch up with the leading teams, but we are in good shape."

Nelson Piquet Jr: "I am satisfied with my performance today. My race started badly as I had to avoid the accident at the start which held me up. After that we just stuck to our strategy and tried to make up ground. The most important thing is that I finished the race and I have gained some more experience. I would have liked to finish further up, but I think that my weekend was determined during the qualifying session yesterday. I will make the most of what I have learned this weekend and put it to use at the next Grand Prix in Monaco, which will be an exciting race."

Red Bull
Mark Webber: I'm happy to get two points. It wasn't the most exciting race; I was just trying to hold on to Fernando (Alonso), which wasn't easy as he was a bit too strong for us today. It would have been nice to be able to fight him a little bit more. I was cruising a little in the last stint, as (Nico) Rosberg wasn't a threat. Getting more points is good for the team, especially after the way they turned my car round after my shunt on Friday, but we're not satisfied with getting just points now - we want to get more. But, I have the same number of points that I had in total last year, so we're doing okay."

David Coulthard: I just missed out on points today, which is frustrating, but I've looked around my car and there's no damage, so at least we finished a race without colliding with anyone! I raced as hard as I could. I dropped half a second just before my second pit stop and came out just behind Nico (Rosberg), which was probably the deciding factor. I think the strategy guys did a good job today, I just wasn't able to eek the last little bit of pace out of the car. I had a little bit of understeer and difficult drivability getting the throttle open, which cost a tenth of a second per lap."

Williams:
Nico Rosberg: "I am happy with my result. I had a fantastic first lap, although I very nearly lost it all when Heidfeld went wide while I was alongside him. He didn't know I was there, so I had to go off the track. When I came back on, I was all over the place but I then passed Coulthard and Trulli on the outside of turn three. I gave it my all on every lap and it was a fantastic race for me today. Anymore, though, is just not possible at the moment, but I am looking forward to the next two races which traditionally suit our car."

Kazuki Nakajima: "I don't know exactly what happened; I just went into the first corner following the guy in front. I didn't change my line and I was suddenly hit from behind. I wanted to make it back to the garage as I thought there was a chance to get the problem fixed and get back out, but my car had suffered too much damage so I had to retire. It's a real shame because we showed we had good long run pace on Friday and were expecting to have the same pace in the race, so we could have done well here this afternoon."

REACTION: TOYOTA AND HONDA

REACTION: TORO ROSSO AND FORCE INDIA

DENNIS APPLAUDS ‘PHENOMENAL’ LEWIS

PIQUET NEEDS TO REACH PEAK

Nelson Piquet Jr - told to improve.

Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr has been warned to quickly improve, or else he will find himself out of a job.

Piquet has yet to score a point in his rookie season, and has managed to qualify only once in the top 10 from five grands prix.

Piquet could only manage 17th in qualifying in Sunday's race in Turkey, before taking the chequered flag 15th of 17 finishers at the Istanbul Park circuit.

It has so far been a tough baptism for the 22-year-old, and the pressure is now on for the young Brazilian to start delivering.

"We saw last year with Heikki (Kovalainen), he had a difficult start to the season and was able to turn it around and I think Nelson has to do the same," said Renault sporting director Steve Nielsen.

"But I think rather than say he's had a disastrous start to the season, it's a bit of a curate's egg - there are good bits and bad bits.

"He needs to start having more good bits than the bad bits, and he needs to start doing that as soon as he can.

"F1 is a business, a very cut-throat business, and if people don't deliver they go the obvious way."

Nielsen is confident Piquet will soon improve, even if the next race is the demanding Monaco Grand Prix in 11 days' time.

"I'm sure Nelson can turn it around," added Nielsen.

"We have seen in testing and in Barcelona (Spanish Grand Prix) he has the speed, he just needs to concentrate and focus and make sure he turns it into results."

KIMI SETS PACE IN FRANCE

TURKISH GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

REACTION: RENAULT, RED BULL AND WILLIAMS

REACTION: TOYOTA AND HONDA

Barrichello in action at the Turkish Grand Prix.

A disappointing end to their Turkish GP weekend saw Toyota and Honda narrowly miss out on finishing in the points.

Toyota:
Jarno Trulli: "My race was spoiled at the start. There was a bit of confusion in the first corner, I think I was touched by a car and I lost three positions. That was it for my race because after that I couldn't do anything to make up the ground. From the first lap to the last I tried to push to find a way past Coulthard. We were quite close but unfortunately with these cars as soon as you get two lengths behind the other car you just lose grip and start going off. I kept pushing as hard as possible all race but this was as good as we could do today."

Timo Glock: "The pace of the car was not too bad today but the race was just destroyed by being stuck in traffic. I made a slow start and I had to avoid the accident with Fisichella and Nakajima. In the first stint I was behind Barrichello and quicker than him but I could not get past. After the pit stop Button was on soft tyres while we were on hard tyres that were working well and giving us good performance. Unfortunately at that stage I was being lapped by the leaders and the blue flags made it difficult to challenge. All afternoon I had better pace than the cars in front but I wasn't able to show it so this was a disappointing result."

Honda:
Jenson Button: "Although I managed to improve slightly on my start position, it was a disappointing race for us. The start was clean and I had a pretty good first lap, however our pace wasn't as good as we expected it to be during the race. I had a problem on my first stint with the front tyres, caused by the brakes overheating, which cost me a bit of time. We then changed our strategy to a one-stop which worked pretty well. Unfortunately the difference in fuel loads really tells here so it was difficult to hold back the quicker cars behind me who were two-stopping. We need to make some further improvements to the car before we are able to challenge for the points again."

Rubens Barrichello: "It was a frustrating race for us today. Unfortunately we did not have the pace to compete and overall I'm disappointed with the performance of the car. I suffered from understeer and traffic in my first stint so we stopped a little bit early to try and get me out into some space. From then on, it was an uneventful run to the end of the race. We have a lot of work to do over the next couple of tests to try to find some pace."

REACTION: TORO ROSSO AND FORCE INDIA

REACTION: RENAULT, RED BULL AND WILLIAMS

MASSA FINDS PASSPORT TO VICTORY

Massa celebrates his victory.

Felipe Massa joked he is ready to apply for Turkish citizenship following a third successive grand prix victory at the Istanbul Park circuit.

Massa again ruled on a track he has come to love, although it was a nip-and-tuck affair as on occasion the Ferrari star diced with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton for the lead.

Massa ultimately beat Hamilton to the line by just 3.7 seconds at the end of the 58 laps to draw level on points with the Englishman in the standings and pull within seven of team-mate Kimi Raikkonen who was third.

With the win, he has now clocked up 200 career points and becomes the first driver to win three consecutive races at the same track since Michael Schumacher won four in a row in the United States from 2003-06.

This was also Ferrari's fourth successive victory this year since Hamilton took the chequered flag in the season opener in Australia.

But for Brazilian Massa, this was undoubtedly the continuation of a love affair that began in 2006 when he won his first race from pole on this track.

"I think I can get a passport here now!" quipped Massa.

"It's just fantastic to drive here. It gives me a lot of pleasure.

"Having a great car like I had, it's definitely fantastic to fight for the victory and win.

"But it was a very difficult race. We saw Lewis pushing very hard, and fortunately for us he had three stops.

"It was difficult to hold him on the track because he was very quick, but knowing he was on three stops was important.

"It meant I didn't have to fight so hard and I could take care knowing it would be possible to get in front again, which is what I did.

"But it's been just great to come here and win again at a track where I won my first race. It is so special.

"To win for a third time in a row, it's difficult to fully explain my feelings."

With the pendulum of wins over the last four grands prix swinging between Massa and Raikkonen, the former is firmly in the hunt for the title.

"I am competing; I am in the fight," asserted the Brazilian.

"If you look at the past few races, Kimi won, then I won, he won again, now I've won here.

"It's always very tight, with the competition very high, but I feel I can be competitive everywhere.

"I'm just happy to have reduced the gap, and now I'm on the same number of points as Lewis."

Appreciating the rollercoaster of the last four races, the 27-year-old added: "Sometimes you can win, sometimes you can't, but you need to score points like Kimi did here.

"It's important to be competitive, consistent and getting points race by race, even if it's first, third, fifth or whatever."

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

DENNIS APPLAUDS ‘PHENOMENAL’ LEWIS

RAIN PROVES A REAL TEST

Trulli - set the fastest time.

Rain wrecked the final day of this week's Formula One test at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, underlined by the fact 13 seconds separated the 11 drivers on track.

The 10 teams spent the first two days of the three-day programme optimising set-up in preparation for next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

To conclude the test, the teams used a different configuration of the track to replicate aspects of the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal for next month's race in Canada.

Unfortunately, the weather intervened, to such an extent many of the teams were at one stage forced to use the extreme wet tyres.

Toyota's Jarno Trulli managed just 26 laps, but set the best time on the 5.255km circuit in one minute 31.360 seconds.

Explaining the situation, Trulli said: "With the first two days of this week's test devoted to Monaco preparations, we had scheduled an intensive programme today.

"Montreal is a very different type of circuit and we wanted to try out different aerodynamic and mechanical solutions.

"You run less downforce in Montreal compared to Monaco, so the car set-up is very different and we had planned a lot of work on this.

"So it was frustrating the rain came early in the day and meant we could not collect any dry data."

After 191 laps on the shorter version of the circuit yesterday, Nelson Piquet today managed 60 laps in his Renault and was second

quickest, just over a quarter of a second down on Trulli.

McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa was third, within 0.8secs of veteran Trulli, followed by Sebastian Vettel in the new Toro Rosso.

Felipe Massa was fifth fastest in his Ferrari, with Nick Heidfeld sixth for BMW Sauber, Red Bull tester Sebasien Buemi seventh and Giancarlo Fisichella eighth in his Force India.

Jenson Button was ninth for Honda, followed by Force India's Adrian Sutil who managed the least number of laps with 13, with Williams test driver Nico Hulkenberg bringing up the rear.

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

KIMI SETS PACE IN FRANCE

KUBICA IN DARK OVER FUTURE

Kubica - linked with Renault and Ferrari.

Robert Kubica is refusing to let speculation about his future distract him from his aim to bag as many points as he can for BMW.

Kubica is out of contract at the end of this season, though the German team do have a one-year option on him which they can choose to exercise.

They must do so before September otherwise the likes of Renault and Ferrari, who are reportedly interested in the Pole, could poach him.

But BMW won't be rushed into making an announcement, with team boss Mario Theissen saying: "We'll announce next year's drivers in the summer."

And until the team confirms their line-up speculation about Kubica's future will continue as the Pole's impressive results this season have attracted the attention of other teams.

Kubica, though, isn't allowing talk of his future to distract him from the job at hand.

"I don't know," he told Autosport when asked about his plans for next year.

"Every day there is some new rumour, it was same as two weeks ago, one week ago. I have no new information."

Kubica refused to reveal whether there was any one team he had his hopes set on signing for.

He said: "I would just like the best option for me, but we will see what it will be.

"For now I am just concentrating on this year and doing the best job possible. Then we will have to see."

TURKISH GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

NOVAK APOLOGISES FOR McLAREN SLUR

Dennis - denied allegations.

Czech motorsport boss Radovan Novak has apologised for recent comments that appeared to link the McLaren Formula One team to the News of the World investigation into the private life of FIA president Max Mosley.

Novak, the general secretary of the Czech Automobile Association, reportedly suggested in a interview with a Czech radio station earlier this month that allegations about Mosley were linked to the 2007 spying scandal involving McLaren.

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis vehemently denied the allegations and released a statement that confirmed Novak would be contacted by the team to seek clarification of his comments.

In a joint statement released by McLaren today, Novak apologised for the "misunderstanding" over his remarks and stated his belief that neither Dennis nor the McLaren organisation had any involvement in the News of the World investigation.

The statement read: "McLaren is pleased to be able to confirm that it has been contacted by Mr Radovan Novak to explain the background that led to certain remarks related to McLaren and Mr Ron Dennis being made in an interview that he gave to Radio Impuls in the Czech Republic.

"Mr Novak has asked us to make it clear that he does not believe that either McLaren or Mr Dennis were involved in the events referred to and that the remarks are not representative of his views.

"Mr Novak has apologised for the misunderstanding and McLaren and Mr Dennis have thanked him for this gracious and swift reaction."

Mosley faces an extraordinary hearing of the FIA's general assembly in Paris on June 3 during which a vote of confidence will be taken.

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

DENNIS APPLAUDS ‘PHENOMENAL’ LEWIS

TITLE CHANCES FADING FOR HEIKKI

MOSLEY WILL GO TO MONACO

Mosley - won't officially represent the FIA.

Embattled FIA president Max Mosley will attend next week's Monaco Grand Prix but he will not officially be representing world motor sport's governing body.

That role will be undertaken by deputy president Marco Piccinini, an Italian who also holds a Monegasque passport and who is also a member of the FIA senate.

It means Piccinini will be on hand to greet Prince Albert II on the grid ahead of the grand prix in nine days' time, and again at the post-race gala dinner.

Such a move could be interpreted as another snub towards Mosley, who faces a vote of confidence with regard to his position at a extraordinary hearing of the general assembly in Paris on June 3.

Mosley is fighting for his future after lurid revelations about his private life emerged in a News of the World story published at the end of March.

Since then Mosley has been slighted on several occasions, notably by the royal family of Bahrain who requested he not attend their grand prix in early April.

Mosley was also due to visit Israel to discuss the future of motor sport in the country, only for the invite to be withdrawn 24 hours later.

Last month Mosley confirmed he would be attending the high-profile Monaco Grand Prix given he resides in Monte Carlo.

But on this occasion he will perform other duties, so stepping out of the public spotlight that would almost certainly have focused upon him.

Confirming the situation, a statement from the Automobile Club de Monaco read: "At the request of the FIA president, the FIA was represented by Mr Marco Piccinini, a prominent Monegasque citizen, as well as the FIA deputy president for sport, during this year's Monte Carlo Rally at the prize giving and gala dinner.

"The ACM was informed some time ago that it was agreed between Mr Mosley and Mr Piccinini that the same procedure would be adopted for the Monaco Grand Prix.

"Mr Mosley will be in attendance throughout the event in the normal way in his capacity as FIA president and any suggestion to the contrary is entirely erroneous."

A spokesman for the Royal Palace added: "Regarding the presence of Max Mosley at the Monaco Grand Prix, there is no question about that.

"However, we have been informed by the Automobile Club de Monaco that Marco Piccinini will be the president's delegate representing the FIA at the Grand Prix, as he was for the Monaco Rally earlier this year."

A spokesman for the FIA reiterated the fact Mosley "was in any case never due to attend the (post-race) gala dinner".

The spokesman added: "He will be attending the Monaco Grand Prix as president of the FIA on the usual basis."

The 68-year-old has maintained the News of the World article was a gross intrusion into his private life and has since launched a legal case against the Sunday tabloid, which is due to be heard in July, claiming unlimited damages.

NOVAK APOLOGISES FOR McLAREN SLUR

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

Hamilton - finding plenty of speed.

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets at the end of the opening session of a three-day test at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

The Briton lapped the 3.593-km track layout in a best time of one minute 5.6 seconds as the McLaren team focused their efforts on preparing the MP4-23 chassis for the high-downforce Monaco Grand Prix on May 25.

Hamilton, currently joint second in the drivers' championship behind Kimi Raikkonen, will relinquish driving duties tomorrow as Heikki Kovalainen takes over.

The sole Ferrari of Raikkonen was second quickest today, almost half a second slower than Hamilton having completed 19 more laps, while BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica was third after 124 laps.

Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber finished the day in fourth place ahead of stable mate Sebastian Vettel, who impressed in the new Toro Rosso car with a time of 1min 6.372secs, less than three hundredths of a second behind Webber's sister car.

The endurance award went to Nico Rosberg, who completed a mammoth 154 laps in the

Williams FW30, which was sporting a new shark-fin engine cover.

Alex Wurz was seventh for Honda with a best time of 1:06.681, while Toyota tested a number of Monaco-specific aerodynamic revisions as Timo Glock went eighth fastest.

Tonio Liuzzi was ninth for Force India, while Renault's test driver Luca di Grassi was the slowest of the 10 drivers on show today, posting a best lap almost two seconds slower than Hamilton's benchmark.

KIMI SETS PACE IN FRANCE

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

Hamilton - loves the Monaco race.

Lewis Hamilton is determined to achieve his aim of winning the Monaco Grand Prix in two weeks time, but is not expecting any preferential treatment from his McLaren team.

Hamilton came within a whisker of victory last season, only to lose out to then team-mate Fernando Alonso after a team orders rumpus that sparked the feud between the duo.

Although the 23-year-old was undoubtedly quicker than Alonso in the second half of the race, and was itching to pass, he was told to hold station in second.

It was a decision that rankled with Hamilton at the time.

Heading into the Principality showdown, Hamilton has a clear 14-point advantage over current team-mate Heikki Kovalainen.

The Finn has unfortunately failed to finish in the points in the last two races, and is already questioning his title challenge.

Although Hamilton is only seven points behind current leader Kimi Raikkonen, he feels it would be unfair if the team opted to favour him over Kovalainen at what is still an early stage of the season.

"He is an extremely talented driver, and I heard he had a fantastic race in Turkey," remarked Hamilton of Kovalainen, who finished 12th in Istanbul following a first-lap puncture.

"He was just unfortunate, but I have no doubts he will be up at the front next time out.

"Felipe Massa had a couple of bad races (for Ferrari) and has bounced back.

"We are a team and I felt sorry for him (Kovalainen) that he was not able to compete in Turkey.

"If I am not winning then I wish he was and it is the same feeling vice-versa, so I want it to continue as it is, fair and square.

"It would not be right for the team to push me ahead of him."

Hamilton last week said he missed winning, and given McLaren are strong at Monaco, it would appear he has the ideal chance to be back on top of the podium.

That would end Ferrari's four-race winning streak. However, the young Briton is not anticipating his team to dominate to anywhere near the degree they did a year ago.

"Monaco is the dream grand prix to win, the most important race to win personally," said Hamilton.

"If I feel I can win anywhere, it is definitely Monaco. But you have to be in the right place at the right time.

"And it is difficult to know exactly how we will do at Monaco because there are so many differences to Istanbul.

"Ferrari seem to be really quick in the slow corners, and although our performance will be really good, I don't think we will have the dominance we had last year because the teams are much closer.

"It depends if we can put together a better package for that weekend. I think we can, but it will be closer."

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

MORE TURKISH DELIGHT FOR MASSA

KIMI SETS PACE IN FRANCE

Raikkonen - fastest in France.

Kimi Raikkonen concluded the second day of a three-day test at the Paul Ricard circuit in France with the fastest time this week.

On the shortened version of the track at just 3.593km in order to optimise set-up ahead of next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari star Raikkonen posted a best time of one minute 5.381secs.

Reigning world champion Raikkonen, who currently leads this year's championship standings, edged out fellow Finn and McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen by 0.090secs.

Both drivers also improved on yesterday's quickest effort from Lewis Hamilton as the young Briton set a time of 1:05.600.

BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica was third fastest, albeit half a second down on Raikkonen, appearing to underline the German manufacturers have fallen off the pace set by Ferrari and McLaren in the Turkish Grand Prix at the weekend.

Britons David Coulthard and Jenson Button were fourth and fifth for Red Bull and Honda on the unofficial timesheets, followed by Sebastien Bourdais for Toro Rosso.

On home turf, the Frenchman at least did not wreck the new STR3 as he did on the car's debut in last month's test in rcelona, which forced the team onto the backfoot.

Jarno Trulli was seventh in his Toyota, with under-pressure Nelson Piquet in close attendance in his Renault.

The Brazilian completed a remarkable 193 laps, almost 700kms, as he looks to atone for a poor start to his rookie season.

Williams' Kazuki Nakajima was ninth fastest of the 11 drivers on view as Force India's Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella split their team's driving duties, and were 10th and 11th respectively.

To conclude the test, the teams will on Friday use a different configuration of the track to replicate aspects of the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal for next month's Canadian Grand Prix.

HAMILTON PASSES FRENCH TEST

TURKISH GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

DOUBLE-TON FISI 'STILL YOUNG'

Fisichella - milestone.

Giancarlo Fisichella is gearing up for his milestone 200th start at next weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, with the Italian insisting he still feels "young".

Fisichella made his F1 debut with Minardi in Australia back in March 1996 before going on to race for Jordan, Benetton, Sauber, Renault and now Force India, clinching three pole positions and three wins along the way.

The 35-year-old is now preparing for his double century of starts - a milestone previously achieved by only eight other F1 drivers.

And, even though this year's championship is his 13th, Fisichella reckons he has not yet outstayed his welcome.

"I still feel young, I still feel happy to work in F1, to be an F1 driver. The only problem is travelling around the world all the time," Fisichella said.

"But apart from that, I still enjoy F1. I wouldn't still be here if I didn't.

"I don't think I've changed much, but I hope I'm a better driver than when I started.

"I've learned quite a lot. How to manage the race, how to manage the qualifying session, and to put more attention on testing and talking with the engineers."

Fisichella will wear a new set of Alpinestars overalls and a helmet commissioned from Arai bearing a '200' logo when he drives in next weekend's race.

HAMILTON PREACHES EQUAL RIGHTS

TITLE CHANCES FADING FOR HEIKKI

DENNIS APPLAUDS 'PHENOMENAL' LEWIS

Hamilton - pleased with second.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis hailed Lewis Hamilton's Turkish Grand Prix performance as "a phenomenal drive".

Despite the team opting for a three-stop strategy due to safety fears regarding his tyres, Hamilton claimed a superb second place at the Istanbul Park circuit.

The 23-year-old finished within four seconds of Ferrari's Felipe Massa, who took the chequered flag for the third consecutive time at the track.

Hamilton and Massa are now both within seven points of reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen, who was forced to settle for third in his Ferrari.

"We saw a truly phenomenal drive from Lewis in which he optimised a three-stop strategy we were forced to adopt as a consequence of concerns we had with his tyres," remarked Dennis.

"It was a structural concern with the tyres, so we took a decision with Bridgestone to run three stops.

"We didn't want to have any tyre failure, and although we could have run two stops, we put the safety of the driver first.

"Lewis did a great job and we can now look forward to Monaco and Montreal."

There were fears Hamilton's slightly more aggressive driving style could have resulted in another 200mph blow out as witnessed at the track a year ago.

A Bridgestone spokesperson said: "Lewis had a specific problem last year, but several other drivers we noticed had internal tyre problems.

"Based on that, we changed the construction and strengthened it over the winter period and then brought those tyres to all the races this year.

"In actual fact, nobody else has had a repetition of any of those problems this year, with the exception of Lewis.

"He is the one driver who, perhaps with his style of driving, has put higher forces onto his front-right tyre."

Hamilton drove aggressively throughout the race, at one stage executing a stunning overtaking manoeuvre on Massa to claim the lead.

McLaren's enforced plan almost gave Hamilton the victory, but by the end of the 58 laps, he was grateful to have finished runner-up.

"Last year, I had a tyre blow-out here, so the team were quite worried coming into this weekend," said Hamilton.

"They thought they had fixed the problem, but somehow we seem to have had the problem again.

"It meant we were put on the back foot going into qualifying, and we felt we would not be in the hunt for the win, even if I had claimed pole.

"Even with a lighter car, I was unable to put it on the front row, and that was extremely disappointing.

"But for most of the race, I remained optimistic, as did the team, and the result is through a lot of hard work from the guys who were fantastic. They were tops.

"I have to say, that was the best race I've ever done."

The BMW Saubers of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld were fourth and fifth, with Renault's Fernando Alonso sixth, the Red Bull of Mark Webber seventh, whilst Williams' Nico Rosberg claimed a point for eighth.

Red Bull's David Coulthard remained pointless after he finished ninth, whilst Honda's Jenson Button was 11th, three places ahead of team-mate Rubens Barrichello on the occasion of his record-breaking 257th grand prix.

Heikki Kovalainen, meanwhile, is 21 points adrift of Raikkonen after his left-rear tyre was punctured by his compatriot after being clipped at turn one on the first lap.

Despite a number of excellent overtaking manoeuvres as he charged through the field on each occasion after his stops, Kovalainen could only manage 12th.

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

MORE TURKISH DELIGHT FOR MASSA

TITLE CHANCES FADING FOR HEIKKI

Kovalainen's McLaren has been beset by problems.

Heikki Kovalainen is hoping his luck will finally turn, although he is already close to writing off his World Championship chances.

Kovalainen produced a brilliant qualifying performance ahead of Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix, placing his McLaren on the front row of the grid for the first time in his career.

Remarkably, such a display came just 13 days after being knocked unconscious during the Spanish Grand Prix following a 150mph shunt into a tyre wall.

From second on the grid, and with Ferrari's Felipe Massa the only man in front of him, the Finn could reasonably have expected to be on the podium.

But on the run down to turn one at the Istanbul Park circuit, the 26-year-old was clipped from behind by compatriot Kimi Raikkonen in his Ferrari, sustaining a puncture to his left-rear tyre.

That forced Kovalainen into an unscheduled pit stop, resuming at the back of the field, and despite scything his way through on several occasions, his efforts were in vain as he could only finish 12th.

With no points from the last two races, Kovalainen finds himself 21 adrift of current championship leader Raikkonen, a considerable gap even at this early stage of the season.

"It was a day of frustration and not the race I was planning, but what can I do?" reflected Kovalainen.

"I didn't even feel Kimi touch me, and I didn't even know I had a puncture with the left rear until the safety car came in (following a lap one accident).

"I was told the tyre was deflating. It's just one of those things, and it's a shame it happened because in the race I felt good.

"But the problem with my tyre cost me the race. We can't do much about it and we have to move on.

"Right now, though, my championship chances don't look very good do they?

"To be honest, I'm not thinking about the championship. I'm just focusing race by race, trying to improve my performances.

"In the first few races I scored decent points, but the only trouble-free race I've had so far was in Malaysia.

"With all the others I've had trouble at some point throughout the weekend, or in the race.

"Hopefully we can turn things around, have a bit more luck and get some more points."

At least in Istanbul Kovalainen felt happier behind the wheel of the McLaren than at any other point in the season.

"I have a feeling that potentially the car is very fast. All the way through the weekend I was happy," added Kovalainen.

"It was the most competitive weekend I've had. I felt very good and hopefully it can carry on like this."

Although Kovalainen is wary of tempting fate ahead of the next two races in Monaco and Montreal that should be good for McLaren, he is cautiously confident.

He added: "I don't want to make too many predictions, but if this kind of trend continues then the chances are I'll be really good."

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

KIMI HAPPY DESPITE PROBLEMS

TURKISH GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

Fisichella makes a spectacular exit.

FINISH: Please join us again in two weeks time for the Monaco GP on May 25th

FINISH: Fernando Alonso is sixth, while Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg complete the points

FINISH: Lewis Hamilton is second ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and the two BMWs of Kubica and Heidfeld

FINISH: And Felipe Massa wins in Turkey for the third time in three years! Great race from the Ferrari driver who started from pole

Lap 58: It's Massa's race as he comes to complete the final few corners

Lap 57: Another driver who is having a solid day is Fernando Alonso. The former Champ is on course to score more points for Renault as he's lying in sixth place

Lap 56: Solid afternoon from BMW. Although they won't finish on the podium Kubica and Heidfeld are both in the points

Lap 55: Massa is still comfortably leading by five seconds as he chases a hat-trick of Turkish GP wins

Lap 54: Kovalainen takes 12th place off Glock while Jarno Trulli is urged to push by his pit wall

Lap 53: Not many battles going on at present. There's the Lewis/Kimi fight, Kovalainen on Glock and Vettel on Sutil

Lap 52: Hamilton is coming under increasing pressure from Raikkonen. But can the Champ pass now that he's caught him?

Lap 51: Pity for Kovalainen. Having worked his way into the points he then has to pit for a splash-and-dash and for a change to the softer tyres

Lap 50: Raikkonen has closed the gap to Hamilton to just 0.7s

Lap 49: Kovalainen now takes Rosberg but the German fights back. However, he's unable to hold onto the last points-paying position

Lap 48: Trulli pits for the last time this afternoon

Lap 47: Kovalainen passes Coulthard for 10th place

Lap 46: Hamilton, though, is only 1.4s ahead of Raikkonen, which should make an exciting final stint of the grand prix

Lap 45: Hamilton pits from the lead. The McLaren driver is stopping for third time. He's in for just over five seconds and comes out ahead of Raikkonen

Lap 44: Webber pits from fifth place

Lap 43: Raikkonen pits from the lead. The Champ is in for 7.1s. Rosberg and Vettel also pit

Lap 42: Heidfeld pits from fourth place as Raikkonen and Hamilton come up to lap Timo Glock. The Toyota driver is in 14th

Lap 41: Hamilton has closed up on Raikkonen - he is just 1.6s behind the Ferrai driver. Alonso pits from sixth place

Lap 40: Massa puts on the hard tyres as he pits for 7 seconds. He was leading. Kubica also pits

Lap 39: Ferrari mechanics are out

Lap 38: Massa is leading by 10.5s over Raikkonen while Hamilton a further 2.2s behind

Lap 37: Barrichello, Sutil and Vettel are the last three in the race - disappointing for Barrichello who had hoped for better as he made history here this weekend

Lap 36: Piquet Jr muscles past Button, who is soon overhauled by Kovalainen

Lap 35: Hamilton is 2.6 seconds behind Raikkonen's Ferrari and must pass him on the road if he wants second place. Both drivers have one pit stop remaining

Lap 34: Just behind them Kovalaine is looking for a way to overtake Glock. Kovalainen gets through only to lose the position back to Glock. Better exit on the final corner sees Kovlainen take P13 off Glock

Lap 33: Piquet Jr is harassing Button for 11th place. The Renault driver is all over the back of him but is unable to find a way through

Lap 32: Hamilton pits from the lead for 6.2s. He put on hard tyres, which means he HAS to stop again so he is on a three-stopper. Is this a wise choice by McLaren?

Lap 31: Robert Kubica is told by his pit wall that he's racing Lewis Hamilton - this means BMW think Hamilton is three-stopping

Lap 30: Jenson Button, Timo Glock, and Nelson Piquet Jr are the only drivers who have yet to stop. And with that Piquet Jr pits from 10th place

Lap 29: Is Hamilton three-stopping here today?

Lap 28: Barrichello pits as Hamilton pulls out a 4sec lead over Massa

Lap 27: Kovalainen pits. He puts on another set of the hard tyres

Lap 26: Bourdais is out the grand prix having beached his Toro Rosso in the gravel at Turn 12

Lap 26: Piquet Jr outbraked himself into Turn 12 allowing Kovalainen to get through and up into 11th place

Lap 25: Hamilton is already pulling away from Massa. He is 1.8s ahead after just one lap!

Lap 24: Hamilton dives down the inside of Massa as the Brazilian fails to close the door. He nudges the Ferrari driver wide and is up into the lead of the grand prix

Lap 24: Hamilton is sitting right on Massa's exhaust pipe and is looking for a way through or trying to force a mistake from the Brazilian

Lap 23: Coulthard comes in from sixth place. Of the top nine only Rosberg is fifth place has yet to pit

Lap 22: Heidfeld pits. Raikkonen managed to leapfrog Kubica in the first round of stops having previously been behind the BMW driver

Lap 22: The World Champion pits for soft tyres. And is in for 8.6s. He comes out ahead of Robert Kubica

Lap 21: Trulli pits and the Ferrari mechanics are out for Raikkonen

Lap 20: New fastest lap from race leader Raikkonen. He is pushing ahead of his first pit stop. How much further can he go than Massa and the McLarens?

Lap 19: Massa pits for 8.2s and puts on soft tyres. Kubica pits for 8.7. They were first and second before they pitted. Massa comes out ahead of Hamilton

Lap 18: Webber is in the pits. He was P4. The Aussie stops for 10.0s. He comes out behind Alonso having failed to make up a position in the first round of pit stops

Lap 17: Kovalainen takes 16th place off Vettel as he continues his run back towards the points

Lap 16: Hamilton pits for 2nd place, which explains his speed. He was second but after his six-second stop he comes out in sixth place

Lap 15: Renault are out for one of their drivers. It's Alonso who pits from fifth place for 10.1s

Lap 14: Piquet Jr stays in 15th place after almost being overtaken by Vettel

Lap 13: Alonso is going well here this afternoon. The Renault driver is in fifth place and is starting to drop Webber

Lap 12: And it's Hamilton's turn to set a fastest lap. Kovalainen finally passes Sutil on the outside entering Turn 12

Lap 11: And now Massa goes fastest while Raikkonen puts in a fastest final sector. Great battle for 14th between Bourdais, Piquet and Vettel who are all separated by less than 1.5s

Lap 10: Hamilton is again fastest. Team-mate Kovalainen tries to Sutil up the inside but has to back off as the German doesn't give him any space

Lap 9: Massa sets a new fastest lap time only to be beaten by Hamilton seconds later. The duo are perfectly matched lap-by-lap even though the one is using the soft rubber (Massa) and the other the harder option (Hamilton)

Lap 8: Kudos to Vettel who is still in the grand prix! The German has retired from all four of this season's races, three on the opening lap alone. So far he's made it to Lap 8 and he's in 16th place

Lap 7: Hamilton's tyres are coming into their sweet period and he's closing the gap to Massa. It sits at 1.4s

Lap 6: A five car battle is developing in the midfield involving Button, Barrichello, Glock, Bourdais and Piquet Jr. They are all fighting over 11th place

Lap 5: Kovalainen is down in 18th place and faces a tough afternoon trying to work his way back into the points. He is closing on Force India's Adrian Sutil

Lap 4: Massa sets a new fastest lap as he tries to extend his lead over Hamilton. Third place currently belongs to Kubica

Lap 3: Kazuki Nakajima has retired as a result of the damage suffered when Fisi crashed into him

Lap 3: Raikkonen easily passes Alonso based on straightline speed. The Ferrari just powered passed

Lap 3: Safety Car comes in and Heikki Kovalainen forced to pit with a rear left puncture

Lap 2: Vettel and Sutil are in the pits as in Nakajima. All three sustained damage at the first corner of lap 1

Lap 1: Safety Car is out. Replays show Fisi hit the back of Nakajima's Williams

Lap 1: An incident at the first corner puts Fisichella out the grand prix for third time in three years

Lap 1: Massa gets a great start while Raikkonen is boxed out by Hamilton. He is then dropped by a BMW

START: And it's go in Istanbul!

13h02: The two Ferraris are starting on the softer tyres while Kovalainen is on the harder option tyres. Hamilton is also on the hard rubber

13h00: The formation lap gets underway. Expects the drivers to be two-stopping here today

12h57: The drivers are strapped into their cars and the crowds have packed out the grandstands as we prepare for the start of the 2008 Turkish GP

12h55: The formation lap is five minutes away

12h54: Remember there are only 20 runners here today as Super Aguri are no longer in F1 having pulled out due to financial problems. Force India drivers Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella therefore make up the back of the grid

12h50: Robert Kubica and Mark Webber are making up the third row of the grid ahead of Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli. Nick Heidfeld and David Coulthard completed the top ten in qualifying

12h45: The track temperature is 35'C, with 17'C ambient

12h43: Heikki Kovalainen is starting P2 on the grid, his best qualifying performance to date, while Lewis Hamilton is third, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen

12h35: Honda boss Ross Brawn, who used to work with Massa at Ferrari, admits he was surprised at the Brazilian as he thought Massa would fall apart after being outdone by his team-mate Kimi Raikkonen in the previous races

12h30: The pits are now open - the cars are now permitted to make their way to the grid

12h27: Felipe Massa could also make history as he chases his third successive Turkish GP victory. On Saturday the Brazilian clinched his third consecutive pole position at the Istanbul track

12h15: Before we get to the grid position, let's talk a bit of history. Today's race sees Rubens Barrichello make F1 history as he becomes the longest-serving driver. The Brazilian, who races for Honda, is starting his 257th gp today. His career began in 1993

12h00: Welcome to coverage of the 2008 Turkish GP from the Istanbul Otodrom

MORE TURKISH DELIGHT FOR MASSA

KIMI HAPPY DESPITE PROBLEMS

DENNIS APPLAUDS ‘PHENOMENAL’ LEWIS

REACTION: TORO ROSSO AND FORCE INDIA

Fisichella collides with Nakajima.

Force India:
Adrian Sutil: At the start I saw Giancarlo going straight over Nakajima and there was debris all over the track, so by turns three and four there were cars all over the place. I had some damage on the front wing when another driver touched me through turn five so had to come in to change the nosecone. Luckily the safety car was out and I didn't lose too much time. During the race my balance was not perfect and I had a lot of understeer I couldn't get rid of, but the middle stint was good as I was catching the group in front. At the end of the race I could keep Vettel behind me so was at least it was one position gained."

Giancarlo Fisichella: I made a good start but then under braking Bourdais changed direction twice and I couldn't brake in time and went into the back of the Williams. I am already looking forward to Monaco. It's my favourite track and I've had some good results there so I have to leave this result behind and concentrate on the next race."

Toro Rosso:
Sebastian Vettel: "I had a good start and then, all of a sudden I realised I had a punctured rear left tyre, so I had to pit immediately. My second problem came at the first pitstop, when the refueling rig had a problem, no fuel went in, so I had to come in immediately again. From then on it was a tough race and I could not have done any better. At least I saw the chequered flag."

Sebastien Bourdais: "Something broke at the back of the car, I don't know what it was yet. Going into Turn 12, I braked at the usual point and the car went sideways, I felt the right rear corner of the car drop and it spun me round. It's a shame, as up until then it had been going quite well and I was just about hanging onto the Toyota in front of me and keeping the Renault behind me. Of course, the problem at my pit stop with the refuelling had not helped."

TURKISH GP - LAP-BY-LAP REPORT

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

MORE TURKISH DELIGHT FOR MASSA

Massa - another win in Istanbul.

Felipe Massa scored a hat-trick of Turkish Grand Prix victories following a fascinating tactical battle with Lewis Hamilton.

Three of Massa's seven career wins have now come at the Istanbul Park circuit, propelling the Brazilian to within seven points of current championship leader and Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen.

The Finn was forced to settle for third as Hamilton managed to hold off the reigning world champion over the closing laps to claim the runner-up spot in his McLaren.

Hamilton is now level on points with Massa and has at least taken two points out of Raikkonen's lead at the top heading into Monaco and Montreal - favoured tracks for the Woking-based team.

Massa eventually finished 3.7secs clear of Hamilton as McLaren opted to run a three-stop strategy due to tyre concerns on the track, with Raikkonen a further 0.4secs adrift.

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis revealed: ``With Lewis we had a structural concern with his tyres, so we took a decision with Bridgestone to run three stops.

"We didn't want to have any tyre failure, and although we could have run two stops, we put the safety of the driver first.

"Lewis did a great job and we can now look forward to Monaco and Montreal.''

The BMW Saubers of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld were fourth and fifth, with Renault's Fernando Alonso sixth, the Red Bull of Mark Webber seventh, while Williams' Nico Rosberg claimed a point.

For Hamilton's team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, it was a sad return to race action a fortnight after the Finn had suffered a 150mph smash in the Spanish Grand Prix.

Kovalainen had performed brilliantly to clinch a front-row-of-the grid place for the first time in his career, slotting behind pole man Massa.

But off the grid, Kovalainen was slow away, allowing Hamilton to pass on the run down to turn one where countryman Raikkonen clipped his left-rear tyre.

Kovalainen, though, had to wait for two laps before he could pit for fresh rubber due to a slow puncture as a safety car had been deployed due to an accident within seconds of the start.

Giancarlo Fisichella, starting at the back of the field due to a three-place grid penalty imposed following a practice infringement, ran into the back of Williams' Kazuki Nakajima.

Fisichella, who momentarily was airborne before landing in the gravel, was out of the race.

Although Nakajima managed to limp back to the pits, his race was also run as the damage to his rear wing was too much for his team to repair.

With Kovalainen scrabbling around at the back, although he endured many a scrap on his way to 12th, it left Hamilton to fight with Massa at the head of affairs, and a battle royal duly unfolded.

The duo traded fastest laps early on, with Hamilton fairing the better as he reeled in the Brazilian and was within 0.5secs when he pitted at the end of lap 16.

However, it was virtually a 'splash-and-dash' stop for the Briton as he was in and out in just 6.4secs, and again he opted to use the harder compound tyre, as opposed to the Ferraris who were running on softer rubber.

When Massa pitted three laps later, he managed to stay in front of Hamilton, despite a 9.3secs stop.

But with Hamilton lighter on fuel, he again managed to eat into his friend and rival's lead before finally pulling off a superb overtaking manoeuvre on lap 24.

Heading down one of the straights the duo ran side by side, wheel to wheel, but as Hamilton had the inside line into the hairpin turn 12, it was enough as Massa had to yield.

With clear air in front of him, and with Hamilton in the faster car, he then started to pull away, to such an extent that at one point he was running a second faster than any of his rivals.

But on lap 32 Hamilton was in again, and it was then clear his team were running a three-stop strategy, running for as long as possible on their favoured harder tyre.

Massa and Raikkonen made their second and final stops on laps 40 and 43, handing the lead back to Hamilton.

When the 23-year-old made his third lightning stop two laps later - taking just 5.9secs - his pit crew at least crucially managed to get him ahead of Raikkonen, but just over five seconds down on Massa.

All three of the leading drivers, though, were now on their least favoured rubber, with Hamilton on the soft option and the Ferraris using the harder compound.

It soon became apparent Hamilton could not make any inroads into Massa, instead his main concern being Raikkonen over the closing stages, although he managed to hold him off to claim second.

After scoring his 200th point for Ferrari, Massa said: "That was just fantastic.

"It was a very difficult race, with Lewis pushing me hard, but I thought he was light (on fuel) at the start.

"Then when he pitted ahead of me, my team told me straight away he was on three stops. That was a help because he was very strong and I couldn't hold him.

"I knew I had a chance because three stops is optimistic, so it was difficult, but we made it.

"Three wins is great here, and I think I can get a passport here now!"

Hamilton, who had embraced his pit crew at the end of the race - and with good reason - remarked: "I'm thrilled to have come second from third.

"We knew it was going to be tough to challenge the Ferraris. We were hoping to get some points and finishing in the top five was good.

"But the balance of the car was good and I kept pushing and pushing, so I'm happy."

Confirming the tyre problem, Hamilton added: "Bridgestone were concerned the tyre would fail, as it did last year (in Turkey).

"But the team did a great job through all the pit stops."

Raikkonen, following his first corner incident with Kovalainen, said: "I didn't make a good start.

"Unfortunately for both us he had a puncture and I broke my front wing.

"We chose not to change it because it takes too long, but we got some points and we need to have a better weekend at the next race."

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

KIMI HAPPY DESPITE PROBLEMS

BARRICHELLO FUTURE IN THE BALANCE

Barrichello - eyeing 300 grands prix.

Honda chief Nick Fry is refusing to offer veteran Rubens Barrichello a guarantee he will be around next year, never mind in a position to chalk up 300 grands prix.

Barrichello revealed his ambition on the weekend when he became the most experienced driver in Formula One history by competing in his 257th race.

Although overhauling Riccardo Patrese's 15-year mark, and with a tear in his eye when the occasion was marked on Saturday evening with a champagne reception, there was little else to commend his Turkish Grand Prix performance.

After qualifying 12th at the Istanbul Park circuit, the Brazilian could only finish 14th to extend his miserable run without scoring a point to 22 races.

Although his current contract is up at the end of the year, the 35-year-old is determined to continue, with the aim of hitting the 300 mark.

That would mean Barrichello racing uninterrupted from now through to the second half of the 2010 season.

But as for a new deal, although Fry concedes "casual conversations" have taken place, nothing serious will unfold until later this year, and then only if Barrichello is proving his worth

"Rubens is very aware of the situation, and I don't think he would want it any other way," said Fry.

"When I hired Rubens I made a mistake because I complimented him on his experience, and he said 'I don't want to be experienced, I want to be fast'.

"If he is fast then he will be here next season, and if he's not, then he won't be.

"At the moment, what I can say is, his pace is very similar to (team-mate) Jenson (Button).

"Right now, though, we've not had any serious conversations, and it's not a priority.

"As we get towards the end of the summer and into the autumn, then we will start talking in earnest.

"When it comes down to it, it won't be the subject of prolonged negotiation. Either we will both want to do it, or we won't.

"Once we decide one way or the other, it's then about a three-day process."

Fry at least concedes Barrichello's drive and passion are as strong as ever.

"At the moment, I see no sign of him wanting to retire whatsoever," added Fry.

"He wants to carry on as long as he is enjoying it, and as long as he is quick enough, and at the moment he is.

"The thing that is fascinating about Rubens is that he is so enthusiastic and he does enjoy it.

"After his many years of grand prix racing, to retain your enthusiasm and still be that quick is extremely impressive.

"On top of that he is such a nice guy to work with. That's not to say he is not demanding because sometimes he can be extremely demanding.

"He makes it very clear what he likes and doesn't like. You know where you are with him.

"He is a real person, not someone who tries to be superficial or skim over things.

"You get it from the heart, and that's very refreshing in this day and age."

MY CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR - FRY

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

KIMI HAPPY DESPITE PROBLEMS

Raikkonen with his trophy on the podium.

After a problematic race weekend in Istanbul, Kimi Raikkonen said he was happy with his third-place finish in the Turkish Grand Prix.

The World Champion got off to a poor start on Friday when he picked up a gearbox problem during practice and also did not have the best of it during Saturday's qualifying when he could only set the fourth quickest time.

To compound his problems, the front wing on Raikkonen's Ferrari was damaged when he clipped the back of McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen as the cars entered Turn One on the opening lap at the Istanbul Otodrom.

Nevertheless, Raikkonen managed to secure a podium spot after finishing behind team-mate Felipe Massa and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, his nine-point championship lead heading into the race albeit cut to seven by the latter pair.

"I think it wasn't the best qualifying for me, and maybe our weakest point," Raikkonen said.

"We had a bit more fuel than the others, that is the reason (we were slow) but also the lap was not as good as we wanted. It all started on Friday when we had a problem.

"We had a difficult weekend and I'm happy to be third. I didn't lose too many points. We'll see what we can do in the next few races."

Of his collision with Kovalainen, Raikkonen added: "I didn't have a very good start.

"I got alongside (Kovalainen) under braking and got inside and tried to slow down. He turned in a bit and we touched. I broke the front wing and he got a puncture. It is racing.

"We chose to use the front wing all race as it takes too long to change it. It was difficult weekend but at least we got some points."

RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

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RAIKKONEN HAPPY TO CUT AND RUN

Raikkonen - forced to settle for third.

Kimi Raikkonen made a hasty exit from Istanbul last night grateful to still be holding a comfortable lead in the Formula One world championship.

Raikkonen was at his home in Switzerland by midnight, just under nine hours after the chequered flag had fallen on the Turkish Grand Prix, in order to watch a close friend play for Finland in a televised ice hockey game.

The reigning Formula One king had earlier come home third at the Istanbul Park circuit, with his championship lead cut by two points to seven.

Ferrari team-mate Felipe Massa and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton are level on points and within sight of Raikkonen after they finished first and second following an enthralling duel.

Raikkonen, though, was counting his blessings after a first-corner incident with compatriot Heikki Kovalainen almost robbed him of his front wing.

"I didn't have a very good start," assessed the Finn.

"I got to the side of him on braking, but then I got a little bit squeezed on the inside.

"I tried to slow down and get behind him, but he just turned in a little bit, and the unfortunate thing for both of us is I broke the front wing and he had a puncture.

"I knew pretty much what had happened, that the end plate had come off, and although it's difficult to say how much difference it made, it didn't help.

"So we chose to use the front wing for the whole race because it takes too long to change it, and it wasn't too bad.

"Overall, the weekend was a little bit difficult, but I am happy with third and at least we scored some good points.

"Now we have to make sure we have a better weekend at the next race (Monaco)."

Despite dropping points to Massa and Hamilton, Raikkonen was not too concerned, with the championship still having a long way to go.

"This race is early in the season and it's good to have a little gap to the others," he added.

"But we saw this weekend if you cannot get everything out of the car, you are going to lose some points.

"I've lost a few points now, but it doesn't change too much and I don't worry about it too much.

"We go race by race and try to win, try to gain points on the others, but sometimes you need to be happy with what you get.

"This was one of those days because this weekend I was never really where I wanted to be, but six points is still good."

A potential concern for Raikkonen and Ferrari is that, last year, McLaren were very strong in the next two races, with Monaco followed by the Canadian Grand Prix.

"Last year, those races were very difficult for us," recalled Raikkonen.

"We need to see just how strong we can be, and hopefully we can challenge for wins and go from there."

KIMI HAPPY DESPITE PROBLEMS

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

MORE TURKISH DELIGHT FOR MASSA

MY CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR - FRY

Fry - clear conscience.

Honda CEO Nick Fry insists his conscience is clear in the wake of Super Aguri's demise this week.

Super Aguri folded on Tuesday with debts of more than Ј50million owed to parent company Honda, and were immediately placed into administration.

However, in the aftermath, an accusing finger was pointed at Fry by former Formula One driver and the Japanese minnow's team boss Aguri Suzuki.

The team's cars were impounded at Honda headquarters in Brackley after the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona a fortnight ago.

But when questioned on his possible involvement, Fry said: "I would say my conscience is more than clear.

"Myself and the Honda team put a vast amount of effort into doing the best we possibly could, into trying to find the appropriate partner.

"The principal effort was with Magma/DIC (Dubai International Capital), and we came within a hair's breadth of that happening.

"It would have been nice for it to have come to fruition, but obviously it didn't.

"So I would be very interested to hear from the person who thinks we, or I, have any responsibility for the demise of Super Aguri.

"It's a business issue."

Fry admitted he could "understand Aguri's emotion" following the downfall of his team, and how he might be willing to look for scapegoats.

He added: "He had just announced to the world he was pulling out of Formula One, with fairly serious financial ramifications for him.

"The fact he was quite emotional about it was no big surprise, but this is a pure financial issue.

"Some of the things that have been written, like them not being allowed into the paddock, are somewhat irrelevant.

"Aguri went to the Honda management on Tuesday to tell them he wasn't able to continue because he didn't have the money, and that is what this is all about.

"The other stuff might be of interest, but it's not relevant.

"At the end of the day I am sorry to see them go, and I'm clearly disappointed for some of the people there, including Anthony and Takuma (Davidson and Sato).

The two drivers, who have long been associated with Honda, are now in limbo, and although they are determined to return to F1, such a hope appears a long shot.

Fry, though, has promised to do all he can to assist, adding: "It's something we're thinking about at the moment.

"Obviously both drivers have done a super job over a number of years and if we can help I am sure will, but there is nothing planned right now."

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

REACTION: FERRARI, McLAREN AND BMW

Massa celebrates his victory.

Felipe Massa claimed his third Turkish GP victory on Sunday while Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen joined him on the podium.

Ferrari
Felipe Massa: Its fantastic to have got the hat trick here in Istanbul: it might really almost be worth asking for a Turkish passport! It was a very tough race but the team work magnificently, giving me a great car. When Hamilton came underneath me at an incredible pace, I preferred not to take too many risks: the pit wall informed he that he was cleary running a lighter fuel load even if we were not certain he was on a three stop strategy. When that became clear, we were calmer, knowing we had everything in place to go for the win. My engineer, Rob, guided my pace and I drove in such a way as to keep ahead of Lewis. Maybe the hard tyres worked better today, but from what we saw over the weekend, the softs were more competitive and in any case, the difference was not that great. I want to dedicate this win to two people: to my mother on Mothers Day and to Stefano Domenicali whose birthday it is today."

Kimi Raikkonen: It was a difficult weekend for me but six points are definitely better than nothing. At the start, I was almost alongside Heikki but then he slowed and I had to brake too to avoid a heavy crash. We touched just enough to damage the end plate of the front wing on my car: it was not a very serious problem, but it definitely didn't help my race. My first set of soft tyres worked very well, but the second was not as good: for the rears, maybe it would have been better to switch immediately to the harder, but that's easy to say with hindsight. After a less than great qualifying yesterday, we knew the race would be an uphill struggle. Now we must ensure we are as well prepared as possible for the Monaco Grand Prix, where we struggled in 2007. This winter we worked a lot on the car to concentrate on those shortcomings which we saw at tracks like this. Now we will see if we did enough to be competitive."

McLaren
Lewis Hamilton: I am so thrilled with today's result, and I think this is the best race ever for me. It's not about winning, it's about feeling that you extract 100 per cent from yourself and the car and I did that today. Before the race our prediction was that all being well I would finish fifth, so second is such a bonus. I was not happy with my performance yesterday and perhaps if I had managed to get the car on pole I could have won. However, we knew that we would have to use a three stop strategy as a precaution as we had some issues with our tyres. The team did a fantastic job, the pitstops were great, and the balance of the car was superb, and we all kept our spirit up. There were no problems with the tyres in the race. I managed to overtake Felipe at one point, and I really think we have closed the gap to Ferrari. I am so excited about the next race in Monaco and just can't wait."

Heikki Kovalainen: Not a lucky race for me as I made a bad start from the dirty line on the grid. After the start Kimi and I touched slightly which caused a slow puncture to my left-rear tyre. Initially I was not sure whether the tyre was damaged or not, but during the Safety Car period I realised that I had to come into the pits for a new tyre. That was almost it for me, because with my heavy fuel load and the traffic it is extremely difficult to gain any places during the race. However, I did my best but no points. These things happen, and I have had a good weekend and really enjoyed being back in the car. It's a shame that we were not able to get points today as I have been fast throughout, but I am really optimistic for Monaco."

BMW
Robert Kubica: "Today the pace of the car was much better than in yesterday's third qualifying session. I was happy with its balance. I made a very good start and managed to gain two positions. I was then racing Kimi Rдikkonen, but he pitted later and overtook me at the pit stop. I was then a little bit slower than the three guys in front of me, but quicker than the rest of the pack. This was the maximum possible for me today."

Nick Heidfeld: "This is what I hoped for from 9th on the grid. To finish 5th was the best I could achieve today. I wanted to overtake Jarno Trulli at the start and this worked, then I gained two more positions during the pit stops. After the first stint I had a pretty lonely race and in the end I was even able to reduce the engine revs."