Alonso optimistic after promising start in Monaco

MONTE CARLO // Fernando Alonso appeared aggressive and indomitable on the meandering street circuit of Monte Carlo during yesterday's free practice as Ferrari showed much promise ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.

The Italian manufacturers have undergone a back-room reshuffle this week after a stuttering start to the new season, and yesterday afternoon, with the sun glimmering off super-yachts docked in the harbour, the Prancing Horse looked stronger than it has at any stage this year.

Alonso had the best time of the day for the first time this season as he and his team have toiled in the early races.

However, he attributed his performance to the track rather than a sudden improvement in a package that had finished a lap off the pace in Spain last weekend.

"The reason is very simple in that, here, the aerodynamics count for less and so we are suffering less," said the Spaniard who has twice been a winner of the race, in 2006 and 2007.

"In Monaco, it's mainly a question of having a good feel for the car: the more the driver has, the harder he can push, lap after lap.

"I immediately felt comfortable here, so I was able to push because the car was reacting well and I had confidence in it.

"I am pleased, but we know this is just the first day and that the Red Bulls could be hiding a bit before qualifying [tomorrow]."

Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel, who was quickest in the day's morning session, said he was pleasantly surprised by the durability of Pirelli's new supersoft tyre.

The German had spoken of his fears that the tyres could degrade too quickly under the principality's baking sun and, until yesterday, the only experience the 12 Formula One teams had of the compound was in cold winter testing sessions in Spain in February.

However, the world champion, who has never won in Monte Carlo, completed 46 laps by the end of the afternoon - more than any of his championship rivals - and said the supersoft compound was lasting longer than expected.

"Obviously, it was important to do a lot of laps here and I had a good feeling straight away," Vettel said.

"Both tyres are working and lasting pretty well; that is the most important thing.

"We will see how the conditions are on Sunday, but if it's similar to [practice] then the supersoft seems to be the preferred tyre for qualifying. You can extract most time from it, so no dramas.

"Ferrari looks very competitive but all in all everyone is really close to each other."

Lewis Hamilton finished second-fastest behind Alonso in the afternoon session and emerged from his car buzzing with energy and enthusiasm for his surroundings.

"It's fantastic out there: I love the track. It's a beautiful place to be. I'm enjoying every lap I drive, and I've got the best view of the whole of Monaco when I'm in the car," said the McLaren-Mercedes driver, who won in Monte Carlo in 2008.

"I just love driving the car here; it's the best thing I've ever done. It's so exciting. You can't afford to make mistakes, the car feels amazing when you're jumping from kerb to kerb, and there's no room for error."