Monte Carlo  - BrawnGP driver Rubens Barrichello set the pace in Thursday's early free practise session for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.

The Brazilian posted a time of 1:17.189 for the 3.340 kilometre- long course through the streets of Monte Carlo.

Ferrari's Felipe Massa was 0.310 seconds behind his compatriot, while Lewis Hamilton, who last year won the race, posted the third- fastest time, 0.389 seconds behind Barrichello.

World championship leader Jenson Button had the eighth-fastest time.

Ahead of the sixth race of the season, BrawnGP driver Button leads the standings with 41 points after winning four of the opening five season-races.

Barrichello is 14 points behind, while Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, who had pulled into the pits 23 minutes ahead of the end of the session with an engine failure, is third with 23 points.(dpa)