Barrichello takes pole for Japanese Grand Prix

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello took pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix early this morning as Ferrari team mate and title…

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello took pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix early this morning as Ferrari team mate and title favourite Michael Schumacher qualified 14th on a wet track.

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, who must win on Sunday to have a hope of becoming Formula One's youngest champion, was eighth quickest. Schumacher need only finish eighth to be sure of an unprecedented sixth championship.

1. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) Ferrari one minute 31.713seconds
2. Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia) Williams 1:32.412
3. Cristiano da Matta (Brazil) Toyota 1:32.419
4. Olivier Panis (France) Toyota 1:32.862
5. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Renault 1:33.044
6. Mark Webber (Australia) Jaguar 1:33.106
7. David Coulthard (Britain) McLaren 1:33.137
8. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) McLaren 1:33.272
9. Jenson Button (Britain) BAR 1:33.474
10. Justin Wilson (Britain) Jaguar 1:33.558
11. Nick Heidfeld (Germany) Sauber 1:33.632
12. Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Germany) Sauber 1:33.896
13. Takuma Sato (Japan) BAR 1:33.924
14. Michael Schumacher (Germany) Ferrari 1:34.302
15. Ralph Firman (Britain) Jordan 1:34.771
16. Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy) Jordan 1:34.912
17. Jos Verstappen (Netherlands) Minardi 1:34.975
18. Nicolas Kiesa (Denmark) Minardi 1:37.226
Ralf Schumacher (Germany) Williams no time
Jarno Trulli (Italy) Renault no time