Ferrari unconcerned with lack of pace

"As always in Monaco, it is harder than usual to run a programme, as the sessions tend to be fragmented with cars going off the track," said technical boss Ross Brawn. "Looking at what we did achieve, I think we will reasonably competitive on Saturday."

Schumacher posted his worst practice time this season, and is not yet happy with the handling of his car. "We have not yet found the ideal set-up, but I am not too worried about this," he admitted. "We still have to work to do to improve the handling. Generally it looks as though everyone's times are much closer here than in recent races."

Barrichello was seventh, but reckons his time disguised the competitiveness of the car. "It seems that some drivers were trying qualifying set-up, but we stuck to working towards the race. I am reasonably happy with the work we have done so far, but there is still more to do to find the right balance on the car."