Renault confident for Monaco

The team has a revised aero package for the tight twists of Monte Carlo, a track that should allow the team to exploit the R202's great traction.

"The track will definitely suit our car," said technical director Mike Gascoyne. "We have always known that it is good in terms of mechanical grip and this will be one of the most competitive races so far. We have a number of aerodynamic developments on the car that will represent a reasonable step forward in overall performance. We are looking towards the top six in qualifying"

Neither Renault driver has finished in the top six at Monaco, although Trulli was on course for second place in 2000 until he retired. This season, the Italian has been outperformed by team-mate Jenson Button, so he's determined to turn the tables.

"I am really confident about this weekend," claimed the Italian. "You have to take the positives from a weekend like Austria, and although I had a problem with qualifying, I was in contention for points in the race until the engine blew."

Button has scored all of the team's eight points this season but he admits that Monaco is not one of his favourite races.

"I think it's probably the worst of all," he said. "We're always very busy, and it's hard to work properly, even just to get around, because of the distance between the paddock and the pits. But I'm still looking forward to it - it's an exciting place to drive fast!"