Coulthard Hopes for Strong Weekend

Briton Coulthard, twice a winner in the Mediterranean principality for McLaren, was third quickest for the Red Bull team in the afternoon.

The Scot, who has scored points in four of five races so far this year, is hoping the nature of the Monte Carlo circuit will allow him to spring a surprise.

"Obviously, today's practice is the first stage of a long weekend, but things feel good," said Coulthard. "It's difficult to predict where we will qualify, as it's hard to know what the other teams are doing with their fuel strategy.

"However, Monaco is one of those events that can throw up a slightly unusual result. Maybe it's possible to move slightly further up the field, we'll just have to wait and see."

Coulthard's teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi also enjoyed a strong day in his first outing in a Formula One car at Monaco.

The Italian rookie was seventh fastest.

"I think my times were quite good for the first day and we seem to be in good shape," said Liuzzi. "We've been working hard on the car to get it ready for qualifying, as it's so important here in Monaco. On this circuit you can't really pass so much.

"I felt more comfortable during the second session and was happy with my lap times. We tried a few different set-ups and worked a little on the rear of the car, but the most important thing was to adjust to the changing levels of grip. As the session went on, there was more rubber on the track and the road surface changed with every lap.

"You have to be pretty careful here, even more so than normal."