Montoya raises McLaren's spirits

The Colombian, a winner in 2003 on the unforgiving street circuit, was the quickest race driver in the afternoon after Renault's Alonso topped the timesheets in the morning.

"A good start to the weekend for us," said the Colombian. "We seem to be quite competitive and have definitely made progress but its still early days and this is Monaco after all where anything can happen.

"I completed the planned programme, and the new parts we have introduced seem to have made a difference.

"The Michelin tyres are working well, so overall we are looking good. I love this track as it's such a challenge and I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the weekend."

Montoya's performance was a boost for Mercedes-powered McLaren after a scare in the morning when Kimi Raikkonen, last year's Monaco winner, pulled over.

A marshal fired foam over the rear of the car and mechanics pushed the McLaren back to the pits as Raikkonen strode off.

A Mercedes spokesman said a heat shield had caught fire and the engine was undamaged - a relief because any unscheduled change incurs a 10-place penalty on the starting grid at a circuit where overtaking is almost impossible.

Raikkonen was sixth fastest in the afternoon.

"A bit of excitement for me at the end of the first practice," said Raikkonen. "I went out with less than one minute to go to complete an installation lap and a practice start.

"However there was a small fire which caused some damage - a bit more than necessary as the fire marshalls were hesitant until I took the fire extinguisher myself.

"The team did a great job in making the necessary repairs and I was able to get some running in half way through the second session. I'm pleased with what we have achieved so far and we look competitive, but there is still along way to go."

McLaren, Renault's closest rivals last season with 10 victories, have struggled for pace in 2006 and are still looking for their first win of the year after six races.

McLaren made their debut at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix with founder Bruce McLaren at the wheel.