Schumacher eyes Monaco podium

The seven-time champion has been consistently fast throughout the Monte Carlo weekend and he believes the unique character of the event could help him deliver a top-three finish.

When asked about his chances of taking a podium, Schumacher said: "From the running we have had so far, it would be pretty optimistic to think about it but then Monaco is Monaco, and it has its own rules.

"With the strategy here, the start can be vital and that is what we are going to play on to make it possible.

"What was encouraging for me this weekend was the race pace compared to qualifying, and in respect to the other teams around. So I feel pretty comfortable for the race at least."

Schumacher's team boss Ross Brawn thinks the Monaco GP will play out as a fairly standard race, with tyre consistency pointing towards less action that has been witnessed in the last few events.

"Whether you think this is a good thing or not, the tyres are very consistent," he explained. "It is much more consistent than we anticipated. But it is so difficult to know how a tyre is going to react with a surface, and the surface will change here and it will be different again in the race.

"I have to say the tyres are pretty consistent and I think you are going to see fewer pitstops in the race than we have been used to in the last few races. That is in some ways a shame, as high tyre degradation meant we would have had a lot of action in the race.

"Now, strategy will be important and the consistency of the tyres will not give such a big time differential between old tyres and new tyres, which is where we get a lot of overtaking opportunities."