Schumacher Predicts Close Fight for Pole

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher was cautious despite making a perfect start to his bid for a sixth win in a row by dominating Monaco Grand Prix practice on Thursday.

The six times World Champion, also chasing a record-equalling sixth win in the Mediterranean principality, proved his prowess with a 1:14.741 second blast through the bumpy city streets.

The time on the first full day of action compared to last year's pole position, set by younger brother Ralf in a Williams, of 1:15.259 and Kimi Raikkonen's 2003 race lap record of 1:14.545.

Schumacher equalled the best start to a Formula One season, Briton Nigel Mansell's five in a row in 1992, at the last race in Spain. If he wins on Sunday, he can begin to think seriously about matching Italian Alberto Ascari's record run of nine successive wins for Ferrari in 1952-53.

The German, however, played down today's dominance and said he expected a close fight for pole position.

"I think qualifying here will be very close so, although this is a positive sign, I don't think today means so much and we will only see the real picture on Saturday," said Schumacher.

The German's Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello was third quickest after a difficult morning session.

"I had a big problem with the set-up this morning, but now we have made a very good improvement," he said. "As usual we concentrated more on the race than on qualifying. I have a bit of a cold, so I was not so comfortable in the car as it was hot and my breathing was difficult.

"The team did a superb job to improve the car and I am looking forward to Saturday.