Length:4.309 km
Number of Laps:71 (305.909 Km)
Best Lap: M. Schumacher - 1'14''755 (2000, Ferrari)
Record Pole: J. Montoya - 1'13''114 (2002, Williams)
2002 Pole: J. Montoya - 1'13''114 (Williams)
2002 Podium: M. Schumacher - R. Schumacher - D. Coulthard

Rubens Barrichello took the pole position today for the Brazilian Grand Prix in front of his home countrymen. The crowd leapt to their feet as the Ferrari crossed the line and this was the most exciting moment of the qualifying session. McLaren’s David Coulthard had the pole until Barrichello topped him by a mere .011 of a second. Mark Webber turned in another brilliant lap to put his Jaguar into 3rd grid position.

Contrary to predictions the weather was ideal for the session and also the diversity of the field is becoming a regular event. Kimi Raikkonen put the 2nd McLaren into 4th place followed by Trulli in the Renault 5th and Ralf Schumacher 6th in the Williams. A disappointing session for brother Michael as he only managed a 7th grid position. It has been a long time since the 5 time World champion has qualified this far back.

We must remember that it is not where one starts a race, rather where one finishes!

In 8th place is the Jordan of Fisichella with the 2nd Williams of Juan Montoya in 9th. Rookie Fernando Alonso in the 2nd Renault starts 10th followed by Jenson Button in the BAR 11th. Button redeemed himself after yesterday’s problem and placed himself in front of rival teammate Villeneuve. 12th position goes to Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld with the previously mentioned Villeneuve in 13th. Olivia Panis in the Toyota starts 14th ahead of the 2nd Sauber in 15th with Heinz-Harold Frentzen driving. The 2nd Jordan with Ralph Firman starts from the 16th grid position.

The other 2 Brazilian drivers, Antonio Pizzonia and Cristiano Da Matta start the race in 17th and 18th positions in the Jaguar and Toyota respectively.

Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson start their Minardis 19th and 20th as we have come to expect. Once again the forecast is for rain tomorrow for the race, but of course this remains to be seen.

Article by: Tony Moffett