Felipe Massa is determined to follow in the footsteps of the late Ayrton Senna and fly the Brazilian flag at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Massa surprised even himself today by claiming pole for the 78-lap spectacle around the tight, twisty streets of the Principality, a circuit he admitted this week to loathing.

In contrast, this was a track Senna adored, one he made his home as six of the legendary star's 41 victories were at Monte Carlo, including five in a row from 1989-93.

But for whatever reason Massa has never taken to it, insisting it is not "a real track" like Monza, Spa or Silverstone.

But in one fell swoop, he laid his dislike to rest, wresting away top spot from Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen in the late stages, leaving Lewis Hamilton to lament on his third place on the grid.

If there is one place where you need to be on pole, then Monaco is it, although expect a lottery tomorrow as heavy rain is forecast.

Despite that, there was no containing Massa's joy at becoming the first Ferrari driver since Michael Schumacher in 2000 to sit on pole.

Now he aims to follow Senna's lead, not just Ayrton, but also his nephew in Bruno who rekindled the spirit of his uncle by winning in the GP2 Series yesterday.

"I remember as if it were yesterday watching Ayrton on this track, who I believe was the most impressive driver here," said Massa.

"He was always on pole, winning five in a row. I remember one race (1988) he crashed when running first and with a minute in hand on (Alain) Prost.

"He was definitely the most incredible driver on this track.

"As for Bruno, I'm very happy for him, as I'm sure are the whole of Brazil.

"He even looks very similar to Ayrton, and it was good to see him winning a great race. Hopefully he can be here (in Formula One) in the future.

"Clearly, there are a lot of Brazilian people here, and it's great to have their fantastic support.

"Despite that, this is still not one of my favourite tracks, but I'm starting to like it more day by day."

Massa was simply stunned by his achievement, and with a beaming smile he added: "I can't believe I'm on pole...it's unbelievable.

"Every time I come here I have struggled, so I am still learning about this track, but today I managed to put everything together.

"Tomorrow will be tough; it could rain, which will make it very difficult.

"Clearly it's better to start at the front, but no matter what circumstances we face, we need to be clever.

"At Monaco it's hard to have 78 good laps when it is dry, so if it is wet, you need to have good pace and be concentrated because it will be hard.

"For now, I'm just loving this fantastic day, being on pole. It will be even more incredible if I win."

Massa is certainly the man on form after taking 28 points from the last 30 on offer after drawing a blank in the opening two grands prix, which led to questions being asked about his future.

But he has responded in stunning style, overshadowing Raikkonen, although he and Hamilton still trail the reigning world champion by seven points.

He has never once doubted his ability, though, and is convinced he will one day win the world title.

"I always believe," insisted Massa, who will remarkably become the first Ferrari driver since Jody Scheckter in 1979 to win from pole should he take the chequered flag.

"I've been champion in every category I've competed in, and it's my dream to win the Formula One title, so I will not give up.

"I will push harder, to hit the limit day by day to become world champion."

Raikkonen admits his chances of victory depend on the weather, and there is a 90% chance it will rain tomorrow.

"If it rains, then nobody knows what will happen," said Raikkonen.

"In the dry conditions it is very tricky to pass and the race can become very boring, but if it rains, that can change many things."

Behind Hamilton is team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, who did well to claim fourth after breaking his rear suspension in final practice after sliding into a barrier.

David Coulthard starts a remarkable 10th despite a 175mph shunt into a barrier as he lost control of his Red Bull emerging out of the tunnel before hurtling into the run-off area past the Nouvelle Chicane, whilst Jenson Button is 12th in his Honda.

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