Kimi Raikkonen unsure how Lotus will fare in Monaco

The Finn has finished on the podium in the last two races, and knows that the team has the pace to be able to go for victory.

But although he is one of the favourites for success on the streets of Monte Carlo, Raikkonen thinks it too early to judge whether or not his team's E20 will have the pace to triumph.

"Monaco is a little bit different and it's hard to say how it will go there," he said. "The team has done a good job so far and we still have work to do and things to improve.

"So far it's going well and I'm happy with it. OK, we're not 100 per cent satisfied with it because we are not winning but that's a very normal thing and I'm pleased for the team."

He added: "To be on the podium twice already is good. Unfortunately you're not always going to get there. If you get the chance, you should take it because it's not every race that you will be able to fight for that position.

"Hopefully we can keep doing what we're doing now and at a certain point I'm sure that things will go exactly right and we'll get there. So far we've made good steps forward and the car has been strong everywhere."

Raikkonen's team boss Eric Boullier is being equally cautious about the prospects for Monaco; although he is in no doubt that the outfit is ready to win.

"Our strength has been that we have been there or thereabouts at every circuit. So far we haven't suffered the performance fluctuations that some of our rivals have seen," he said. "If we continue like this we will be very well placed for scoring good championship points. Of course, scoring points is one thing. They're very valuable and whoever has the most wins the championship. But we all really want to have a win.

"Historically Enstone teams have shown good pace in Monaco, but last year's car wasn't strong in slow speed corners so we may have some work to do. In terms of the team and our drivers, we're all ready for a win. We're looking at every aspect of the car and how we run it and we're all focused tremendously on achieving our goals. A win would be a fabulous thing."

Lotus will be introducing a high-downforce specification rear wing for Monaco, as well as updates to the sidepod and brake drums.