Rain threatens Monaco Grand Prix 'nightmare'

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have both expressed fears that wet weather will turn the Monaco Grand Prix into a "nightmare."

Heavy rain is forecast for both Saturday's qualifying session and Sunday's race.

Renault's Alonso, who has won the last two Monaco grands prix, told reporters that it was "virtually impossible" to drive the car during a wet practice session last season, even with the driver aids which had since been removed.

"This year it would be a nightmare," said Alonso, "although I suppose a good result is possible because many cars might crash. I don't have a good feeling about it, though, so I hope it stays dry."

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who finished second behind the Spaniard last year, was equally concerned about the weather forecast.

"It will be especially difficult here in the wet, especially this year without traction control," the Briton said.

Toyota's Jarno Trulli said they were expecting a wet track to make things "especially tough."

However, Flying Finn Kimi Raikkonen was typically sanguine about the situation.

"A wet race? It would make matters complicated but it would be the same for everyone."

Ferrari sporting director Stefano Domenicali was more concerned than his driver, saying it would be a "very tough weekend" if rain eventuated.

"There are so many variable to take into account: apart from the usual one there will be the weather to consider, as the forecast is for it to worsen over the weekend, with a strong chance of rain.

Ferrari team manager Luca Baldisserri agreed.

"While it is true that our preparations for this race have produced some results, it is equally true that our main rivals have not been twiddling their thumbs either.

"We must carefully study the day and try and make the necessary changes so as to be competitive at the highest level on top of that, we must also keep a careful eye on the weather, which could be the decisive factor for Saturday's qualifying and especially in Sunday's race."

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