Formula 1: Schumacher claims pole position

Schumacher moved into second place on the all-time pole lists alongside Frenchman Alain Prost and Britain’s Jim Clark, though he is still 32 adrift of Ayrton Senna’s astonishing record.

The 32-year-old is in prime position to bid for a repeat of the Ferrari one-two he enjoyed with Barrichello last year before going on to win the team’s first drivers’ crown in 21 years.

Barrichello briefly threatened with a time that was just 0.001 secs quicker, but Schumacher responded next time on the track and the Brazilian had to regain second spot from Hakkinen late on.

Burti eventually finished in 21st spot, with the European Minardi of Tarso Marques last, and he will now have to hope the stewards will let him race because he was outside the 107 per cent qualifying time mark.

Schumacher, celebrating his first pole in Melbourne, said: ‘‘I am very happy it’s a great achievement for Ferrari and what they have done again after last year’s car.

‘‘That was a championship winning car but this was even better, and thanks go to my mechanics, who had a really late night after my off yesterday. They gave me a fantastic car.’’

Barrichello, who had an engine blow this morning, said: ‘‘I’ve had a lack of time on the track today, but I am happy.

‘‘I was fighting for pole and I can fight for the race. I am feeling very optimistic for the race.’’

Hakkinen, who has not finished in Australia for the past two years, said: ‘‘I did not get the best out of the car I always had a problem somewhere.

‘‘I was losing time. But I am reasonably pleased and am confident we can get a good car for the race and I just want to finish.’’

Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne Qualifying positions:

1 M Schumacher (Ger) Ferrari 1mins 26.892secs, 2 R Barrichello (Bra) Ferrari 1:27.263, 3 M Hakkinen (Fin) McLaren Mercedes 1:27.461, 4 H-H Frentzen (Ger) Jordan Honda 1:27.658, 5 R Schumacher (Ger) Williams BMW 1:27.719, 6 D Coulthard (Gbr) McLaren Mercedes 1:28.010, 7 J Trulli (Ita) Jordan Honda 1:28.377, 8 J Villeneuve (Can) BAR Honda 1:28.435, 9 O Panis (Fra) BAR Honda 1:28.518, 10 N Heidfeld (Ger) Sauber Petronas 1:28.615, 11 JP Montoya (Col) Williams BMW 1:28.738, 12 E Irvine (Gbr) Jaguar 1:28.965, 13 K Raikkonen (Fin) Sauber Petronas 1:28.993, 14 J Alesi (Fra) Prost 1:29.893, 15 J Verstappen (Ned) Arrows Asiatech 1:29.934, 16 J Button (Gbr) Benetton Renault 1:30.035, 17 G Fisichella (Ita) Benetton Renault 1:30.209, 18 E Bernoldi (Bra) Arrows Asiatech 1:30.520, 19 F Alonso (Spa) Minardi 1:30.657, 20 G Mazzacane (Arg) Prost 1:30.798, 21 L Burti (Bra) Jaguar 1:30.978. Did not qualify: 22 T Marques (Bra) Minardi 1:33.228