Monte Carlo  - Fernando Alonso in a Renault on Saturday posted the fastest time in the final practise session for the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix.

The two-time world champion needed 1 minute 15.164 seconds for the 3.340-kilometres course through the streets of Monte Carlo, beating the time set by championship leader Jenson Button in a BrawnGP by 0.069 seconds.

McLaren-Mercedes driver Heikki Kovalainen was third-fastest, followed by Rubens Barrichello in the second BrawnGP. Defending world champion Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren, who won the race last year, posted the seventh-fastest time.

The grid positions for Sunday's race will be determined in the qualifying session set for later Saturday.

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

Barrichello is 14 points behind on 27, while Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is third with 23 points. (dpa)