Ralf Schumacher has driven his team to a second pole position of their careers, as rain interupted qualifying for the Japan Grand Prix.
The session had started with a lot of moisture on track, as Ralf Schumacher and Jenson Button were last drivers to get the good of the conditions before the rain began to pour, as they qualified first and second respectivly.
The battle for the Contuctors Championship is hotting up, with McLaren only 2 points ahead of Renault. Only Renault driver, Giancarlo Fisichella, was able to set a grid position in the top eight, in P3, in a possiblity to put his team ahead for the championship. His teammate, and the new ‘King of Formula One’, Fernando Alonso was only able to put up the 16th best time, as rain ruined his qualifying.
Renault rivals McLaren, seemed to be hit worse in their qualifying session as Kimi Raikonnen qualified 17th, and is to take a ten place penalty due to an engine change. Brazlian Grand Prix winner, Juan Pablo Montoya did not set a time, after he abandoned his run and came into the pits.
On the up side, it was an overall good day for teams BAR-Honda and Red Bull Racing. For BAR-Honda, Jenson Button in sights of another podium finish, and Japan’s hometown hero, Takuma Sato, qualifying in 5th position.
For Red Bull Racing, they were able to set their best overall qualifying session of their short careers, with Christian Klien setting a personal best forth best time, and David Coulthard qualifying sixth. Australian hopeful, Mark Webber and Jaques Villeneuve rounded off the top eight.
Dane Norton
DailyF1News.com
