Fisichella buoyed by improved grid position

The Benetton driver is in buoyant mood after achieving his best performance of the season to date - a massive leap from his previous best of 16th in Malaysia.

"It is fantastic to be in the top five rows for the race tomorrow and I am hoping we can turn this into our best race of the year here," said Fisichella, who has one world championship point after a fortunate sixth in Brazil.

The Italian's Benetton B201 is sporting aerodynamic modifications this weekend and the changes seem to be working to good effect around the tight and twisty Monte Carlo circuit.

"We did not expect this at all," said Fisichella, "but the car is working very well here, especially mechanically. We still have got work to do on the engine and on the aerodynamics, but I am feeling confident for tomorrow."

Fisichella says Monaco is one of his favourite races on the calendar. The 28-year-old, who lives in the Principality, was second in 1998 and third last year.

"Monte Carlo has always been a good race for me and I hope to have another good race here tomorrow," he added. "It is a very challenging circuit and one that I think I rise to. The start will definitely be very important, as well as our strategy."

Fisichella outpaced his team mate Jenson Button for the sixth time in six races. Button only qualified 17th and was over a second slower.