Formula One: Schumacher in line for pole

Michael Schumacher set the fastest time in final practice for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza today.

The world champion finished almost 0.3 secs ahead of the Williams-BMW of Colombia's Juan Pablo Montoya.

Schumacher, whose Ferrari was still devoid of sponsors' logos and had its nose painted black as a mark of respect following this week's terrorist atrocity, went top after finishing the previous session in last place.

The German had remained inside the garage for virtually all of the penultimate session as he waited for the autumn sunshine to dry out the track following Friday's thunderstorm.

Jarno Trulli took third place for a Jordan team with Rubens Barrichello fourth-quickest in the other Ferrari.

David Coulthard was fifth for McLaren-Mercedes, while Ralf Schumacher took sixth spot in his Williams.

Jaguar Racing's Eddie Irvine was 11th fastest while Jenson Button finished in 15th spot for Benetton.

Malaysian newcomer Alex Yoong missed out on vital track time because of mechanical problems in his European Minardi and wound-up 21st with team-mate Fernando Alonso - who also had technical problems - one place further back.

Tomas Enge, who will become the first driver from the Czech Republic to compete in a grand prix, was 20th for Prost.