Raikkonen shows qualifying promise

Championship leader Kimi Raikkonen swept to the top of the time-sheets when practice resumed for the Monaco Grand Prix this morning.

Raikkonen, who finished back in 11th spot in first qualifying on Thursday, was quickly on the pace following yesterday’s rest day in Monte Carlo.

The Finn finished almost 0.9 seconds ahead of the Williams-BMW of Colombia’s Juan Pablo Montoya with Mark Webber just fractions slower in third spot for Jaguar Racing.

Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher, who was quickest on Thursday, was almost a second down in fourth place.

But Schumacher, who trails Raikkonen by just two points after winning the last three races, will have the advantage of running last in the single-lap final qualifying session later today.

Renault’s Jarno Trulli was fifth-fastest while Rubens Barrichello was sixth in the other Ferrari.

Jenson Button had the seventh-fastest time for BAR-Honda as he chases that first podium finish of his career.

Button will only have the two Ferraris out after him in qualifying while team-mate Jacques Villeneuve was eighth-fastest.

David Coulthard, winner twice in the past three years in Monaco, was ninth-fastest for McLaren having, like many of the drivers, spent the rest day relaxing in his apartment nearby.

Ralph Firman was 14th for Jordan with Justin Wilson 20th in the Minardi with just one more 45-minute session left before qualifying.