Trulli Confident of Maiden F1 Win

Renault's Jarno Trulli threatened to bring the curtain down on Michael Schumacher's record start to the season after blasting to pole position for Sunday's showpiece Monaco Grand Prix.

Ferrari's six times World Champion has won the last five races but he faces a tough fight from fourth place on an unforgiving street circuit where overtaking is almost impossible.

While Italian Trulli celebrated his first Formula One pole at the 117th attempt, lapping the tight and twisty street circuit in 1:13.985, Briton Jenson Button slotted into second place on the grid for BAR.

"I've always been looking for that first pole position, I've got it," said Trulli. "I've always been looking for that first win, hopefully I'll get it. It's wonderful to get my first pole here at Monaco: it's the right place to do it from a strategy point of view, and a fantastic reward for the whole team.

"My lap was fantastic: I wasn't particularly quick in the first sector, but the next two were nearly perfect. The car is very competitive in race set-up, very consistent, and we know that we are on the right strategy. I am felling very optimistic for tomorrow."

It will be the first time this season that Schumacher has not been on the front row after four poles in the past five races and he runs a big risk of being trapped as the quick-starting Renaults romp away.

"He's still a champion," cautioned Trulli, however. "He's someone who can make it back in the race. I'm sure he will fight very hard tomorrow."

Trulli's Spanish teammate Fernando Alonso will be third on the grid.

"Even though I am fourth today, I know that I will start from third tomorrow, and that good grid position is crucial here," said Alonso. "I think I can run a very strong race - the car is easy to drive here, and very constant [consistent] on the long runs.

"I am very happy with the work we have done today and tomorrow, hopefully we can have a competitive Grand Prix and score another podium finish."