Monaco: Bourdais takes dominant win

The Super Nova driver grabbed the lead at the start from pole position and never looked back, as those behind him dropped out with mechanical trouble, tripped over themselves or crashed out. Patrick Friesacher (Red Bull Junior Team) came through for the runner-up spot when early second placed man Rodrigo Sperafico dropped out with a broken shock absorber.

Tomas Enge (Arden International), who went into the race as joint championship leader with Giorgio Pantano, finished third after Enrico Toccacelo crashed out on lap 32.

"It was very easy," confirmed Bourdais, who become the first man to win two races this season. "I continued to push, as I didn't want to lose concentration. I had a very consistent car today."

Friesacher, who was on the podium for the first time in his career, said: "By the time Rodrigo went into the pits, Sebastien was already gone. I just had to get to the finish; this feels fantastic!"

Enge said: "From where I started on the grid, third is more than I expected. I decided to go for points today."

Pantano, who qualified 13th, crashed out at Rascasse on lap three. David Saelens was an early casualty when his gearbox failed on lap four while lying fifth. Bjorn Wirdheim took up the position, but was forced out with a steering rack problem.

Antonio Pizzonia came through to finish fourth, passing Petrobras Junior team-mate Ricardo Sperafico along the way.

Alex Muller appeared to grab the final point after winning an entertaining duel with Ricardo Mauricio, who crashed out at the final corner after losing the place at Rascasse. But Muller was penalised 25 seconds for punting Mauricio at least four times. He was then disqualified altogether when his car came in under weight at scrutineering.

Muller's dramas pushed Mario Haberfeld into sixth. He was the final finisher in a race of attrition.

For full race results, click here.