Fernando Alonso has a second successive Formula One title in his sights after fuel pressure problems hit Michael Schumacher's chances of ending his career on a winning high in Brazil.
Schumacher, who must triumph today to have any hope of retiring with an unprecedented eighth crown, qualified 10th at Interlagos yesterday with his Renault rival lining up on the second row in fourth place.
The German, calling time on the most successful career in Formula One after 250 races and a record 91 wins, watched from the Ferrari garage as team mate Felipe Massa delighted the home crowd with pole position.
"We lost fuel pressure. We don't really know why," said technical director Ross Brawn after the German failed to complete a timed lap in yesterday's third and final qualifying session.
McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, Schumacher's successor at Ferrari next year, qualified on the front row next to Massa to boost his team's hopes of staving off their first season in a decade without a win.
Alonso, 10 points clear of Schumacher and needing only a point from the season-ending showdown for his second successive title, starts alongside Toyota's Jarno Trulli.
"The target this afternoon was to be in the top five, so I am very happy with this position," said the Spaniard. "Starting from the second row is perfect for our approach this weekend and so far everything is going to plan.
"Obviously the problem for Michael is another bit of help for us, not just for me but for the team as well in the constructors' championship and we will take anything we can get," he added.
Champions Renault lead Ferrari by nine points and have both their drivers ahead of Schumacher, with Italian Giancarlo Fisichella qualifying sixth.