Kubica downplays Monaco victory chances

The BMW driver, who enjoyed a strong run to fifth on his Monte Carlo debut a year ago, believes that 'it will be difficult' to challenge for a win despite the random nature of the street circuit and Ferrari's poor recent form at the track.

When asked is he thought Monaco was BMW's best chance for a win in 2008, the Pole replied: "It's difficult. I will try to do my best, but I am not saying we will win.

"I think McLaren will be very strong here as they usually are, and I hope at least to be as competitive as last year and then we will try to do our best, but I think a win will be very difficult."

Kubica says that Monaco is too unpredictable to rely on form guides and used Ferrari's struggles in 2007 as an example of how the circuit can throw up surprises.

"I think there are many question marks as usual in Monaco," he said.

"It's a completely different type of race track and it is very important that the car gives you confidence to push.

"On street circuits it's very important that the car is easy to handle and to drive, and as we saw last year, Ferrari struggled here so you can never be sure of your pace around Monaco. So, as I said, there are many question marks and we will have to wait and see until tomorrow to know where we are."

"I think our car is well suited to the track, last year we were very competitive here, but as I said, reactivity is pretty important here.

"I think reactivity was better on last year's car, but we still have to see if this will be okay. If so then I am expecting us to be quite strong, but we will have to see."

Kubica believes that Ferrari will be much stronger this weekend, and that it will not fall prey to the same issues that plagued them last year.

"I don't think that Ferrari is the kind of team that makes the same mistake twice," he said. "I am pretty sure they analysed what went wrong last year and they will have worked to be better prepared for this grand prix."