Fernando Alonso says unique circuit and ever-changing races make Monaco impossible to predict

"We'll see. Monaco is a unique circuit and you never know what car may dominate and this year even more so," said Alonso ahead of this weekend's event, the sixth round of the championship.

"We don't know which cars were quick at Barcelona, let alone at Monaco. But the most important thing here is on Saturday during qualifying. If you start from the first two rows you have a podium chance, otherwise it's almost impossible, or very complicated."

The Ferrari driver arrives in Monte Carlo after having fought for victory in his home race at Barcelona, where he finished in second behind the Williams of Pastor Maldonado.

Although one of his car's weakest points is traction in low-speed corners, the Spaniard says it is not a big worry for this weekend's race.

"With new tyres and over one lap you can sort of mask the traction problems, so it's not a big worry for us," he said.

"In the race we'll see. Degradation will be big, but the safety cars and anything that can happen in the race can help you or hurt you and there's no way to control that."

And he believes Williams will be strong once more around the streets of Monte Carlo following its first win in eight years in Spain.

"Williams has been strong in all races," Alonso added. "In Australia we were fighting with Maldonado for fourth before his accident. In China they had a small problem in qualifying and then in the race they were sixth and seventh. So Williams has had great races in all the grands prix.

"In Barcelona it was the icing on the cake because they won, but I think here they will be fast again. We'll see. We don't know who will be on top here and it's hard to name favourites."