Renault keeps pressure on

Jarno Trulli maintained the momentum from two weeks ago when he finished on the Spanish Grand Prix podium. The Italian outpaced team-mate Fernando Alonso once again to end up fourth fastest overall, and third quickest race driver, behind the two Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello and second-placed BAR-Honda test driver Anthony Davidson.

Trulli's time of 1m15.472s kept him within a second of the world champion's fastest lap. Alonso was a further two tenths back to place eighth.

"I had a normal Friday, working to set up the car and complete our programme," said Trulli. "We accomplished a lot, and improved the handling, although there is still work to do in this area. We know the car is quick here, and now have to find a set-up we are completely happy with."

Alonso agrees that the R24 has the potential to shine in Monaco but knows he has yet to fully unlock it. "The car balance is OK at the moment - we don't have any big problems," he said, "just some areas to carry on tuning. I am happy with our speed at the moment, and am looking forward to Saturday."

Renault's engineering director Pat Symonds was happy with the team's first day. "It is always nice to complete the first day at Monaco without any damage, but the nature of this circuit means that, as usual, we are left with more questions than answers this evening.

"Having said that, on a circuit not conducive to finding a good balance, the drivers were reasonably happy today. Our times look competitive, and the tyre choice to be made is clear."