Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg confident their Mercedes car will be well suited to Monaco

Although the outfit has only had one podium finish so far this year, both drivers believe that the low speed nature of the Monte Carlo track, allied to the demands on traction, should be good for their chances at Formula 1's blue riband event.

Rosberg said: "I have always been quick around the streets here, and I believe a good result is possible for us next weekend.

"The nature of the track should suit our car but as we have seen at every race so far this season, tyre management will be crucial. With five different winning teams so far this year, at least ten drivers have the chance to win in Monaco so this could be one of the most interesting races there for years."

Schumacher's chances of victory have been compromised by a five-place grid penalty that he has been handed as a result of his collision with Bruno Senna at the Spanish Grand Prix.

However, he is not seeing that as enough reason to simply give up hope - especially because good strategy calls could help him move up the order.

"Every time you go there, you just look forward to finally getting out and driving the track," he explained. "Of course, knowing that I will lose five positions on the grid does not add to this feeling but this just means that I will have to try even harder.

"I'm actually quite confident that we should look reasonably good in Monaco due to the hard work that everybody in the team is putting into the development of our car. So let's make the best out of the weekend."