By Pablo Elizalde
Championship leader Kimi Raikkonen believes a trouble-free first day of practice in Monaco will be key to his hopes of a strong showing at the principality.

The Ferrari driver has been hit by problems during most Fridays this year, with him well aware that his car was only perfectly dialled in at the Spanish Grand Prix - which he duly dominated.

In Turkey, Raikkonen hit trouble again during Friday practice with a gearbox problem, and the Finn was then unable to match the pace of teammate Felipe Massa in qualifying or the race.

With qualifying so important to have a good race in Monaco, Raikkonen is hoping he can stay out of trouble next week.

"No," he said when asked if the team had special plans for qualifying. "If we get everything working during the weekend, then we usually get the car right, but so far we've only had one weekend without problems on Friday.

"And every time you don't run on Fridays it hurts you, so hopefully we'll have a good first day at Monaco, get the car sorted, and it should be okay."

Ferrari failed to match the form of rivals McLaren last year at Monte Carlo, and the British squad are generally considered favourites to win there again.

But Raikkonen says his team have taken a step forward and he is hopeful the Italian squad will be strong on the streets of Monte Carlo.

"For sure we have improved from last year, so we'll see in Monaco where we are exactly," he said. "But I think it was not too bad. The feeling is pretty good with the car. We need to work more and then we'll see if we are in the same position as last year."