Although overtaking in Monaco is difficult, we cannot afford to be complacent in terms of tyre management and we will need to do significantly better than we managed in Barcelona in order to score a strong result.

Round six of the championship sees the paddock arrive in Monte Carlo for arguably the most famous event on the calendar, the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2013. So how are the teams preparing for the unique challenge that is the Principality's streets? Those involved discuss their prospects for the race

Gian Carlo Minardi, the man who gave a number of rising stars their first break in F1, including Fernando Alonso, says that youngsters need more testing mileage.

Ferrari has added its name to the list of those opposed to the recent tyre compound modifications announced by sole supplier Pirelli, criticising the Italian manufacturer's decision to succumb to the intense pressure applied by rival outfits.

Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa set the pace during the opening practice session for the French Grand Prix, continuing from where he left off at the Circuito de Jerez. The Spaniard, who posted a personal best time of 1:34.645, led reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo by 40 thousandths of a second, while Valentino Rossi finished third.

It takes the Horse Whisperer to point out that despite the hysteria (hypocrisy?) regarding the number of pit stops during the Spanish Grand Prix, the 2011 event was won with a similar strategy.

Lotus team boss Eric Boullier has expressed dissatisfaction at Pirelli's decision to modify its slick tyre compounds from the Canadian Grand Prix onwards, with the Italian manufacturer responding to criticism from various teams and drivers.

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Unsurprisingly, Lotus, one of the few teams to get an early grip on the 2013 Pirelli rubber, is unhappy with the changes due to be introduced in Canada.

McLaren say their 2015 engine partnership with Honda will not affect their ability to win the world title with Mercedes next year.