Raikkonen quickest in first practice

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However, the 20 drivers on show around the streets of Monte Carlo should enjoy the conditions while they last as rain is forecast throughout the weekend, more prominently on race day.

In dry conditions, Raikkonen edged out McLaren's Lewis Hamilton by 0.268 seconds as he set a lap time of one minute 15.948secs.

Hamilton had led proceedings for the majority of the 90-minute session that had to be red-flagged for 16 minutes due to concerns over a manhole cover on a section of the public road.

But Hamilton, who was runner-up in last year's race, was forced to settle for second again as Ferrari - and Raikkonen in particular - signalled their intent.

Heikki Kovalainen was third quickest, exactly 0.3secs down, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa completing a not entirely unexpected top four.

They were followed by Williams' Nico Rosberg and Robert Kubica in his BMW Sauber, with Fernando Alonso seventh for Renault but over 1.5secs down on Raikkonen.

Honda's Rubens Barrichello, the Red Bull of Mark Webber and Force India's Giancarlo Fisichella - on the occasion of his 200th grands prix - completed the top 10, all within two seconds of the leader.