Sauber's Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi expect very strong Monaco weekend

Sauber drivers Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi are both confident of another strong weekend for the Swiss outfit after posting competitive times during the first day's practice for the Monaco Grand Prix

Perez, returning to the streets of Monte Carlo for the first time since his concussion-inducing accident at the chicane during qualifying 12 months ago, was third fastest in the morning session - 0.4 seconds slower than Fernando Alonso's pacesetting Ferrari.

"The conditions were not ideal to do the work but we are looking good in the wet, so this is positive," said Perez, who was 15th fastest in the rain-affected second session. "In the dry there is some work to do, which we didn't manage in the morning.

"However, I am confident as this morning we were very quick, the car is performing well and I think we can be competitive in qualifying on Saturday."

Kobayashi meanwhile was seventh and eighth fastest in the two sessions and was delighted with the responsiveness of his car.

"Everything went smoothly today," said the Japanese. "The car has definitely improved in the slow corners compared to last year, and this is obviously crucial in Monaco.

"The balance of the car feels good and I'm pretty confident for the weekend. I just can't predict how the two tyre compounds will develop in the race because the weather prevented us from doing proper long runs."