Kimi Raikkonen knows it will once again be a very close battle between the top three teams at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

With overtaking virtually impossible on the streets of Monte Carlo, all drivers will be going full out to start the race from pole.

Raikkonen finished a disappointing eighth at last year's Monaco GP, but he is confident Ferrari will put up a better showing this time round.

Speaking on his official website, the Finn said: "Obviously, we struggled last year in Monaco, but I feel Ferrari have really improved in many areas that we were weaker at last year.


"I always aim to win and that's my intention going into the Monaco weekend.

"The race will be very open. I feel Ferrari is very competitive with the main competition coming from McLaren and BMW.

"That said, Monaco can throw up a strange result so it's the most open of all the races this year.

"With everybody being so close - especially in qualifying - it's important to have a good weekend, so that you are able to fine tune the car to the circuit.

"To quality well is always important, but, probably, in Monaco it's a priority."