Improved display pleases Ferrari

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Team boss Stefano Domenicali says Ferrari have made significant progress after closing in on 2009 pacesetters Brawn at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Kimi Raikkonen finished third, one place ahead of team-mate Felipe Massa.

"Both cars collected points which was a very important step," said Domenicali. "We are going in the right direction."

Raikkonen, who collected Ferrari's first podium of the year, added: "We need to be happy after such a difficult start to the season."

Ferrari emerged from their worst start to a campaign in 28 years at the Spanish Grand Prix as Massa limped home in sixth, sacrificing fourth when he mistakenly believed he was running low on fuel. But the team pushed on in Monaco as Raikkonen lined up on the front row alongside eventual race-winner Jenson Button before claiming third.

Domenicali was satisfied to see his cars exhibit genuine pace around the streets of Monte Carlo to spark hopes that Ferrari, and not Red Bull, can take the fight to Brawn in the remaining 11 races.

"Now we can see that we are closer to the other cars in front of us," the Italian said. "That's a good sign.

"That is good motivation for all the people at home who are working flat out to improve our performance.

"We now have to stay focused on our job and stay focused on our need to improve internally.

"Downforce is the most important thing that we have to recover as this will help a lot in the high-speed corners."