Schumacher/Montoya face off at Monza

Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya face off at the front of the grid for today's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Schumacher leads Montoya's BMW Williams in the championship by only one point with three races left.

Schumacher scorched to his first pole position in eight races yesterday and showed he will not give up his dream of a record sixth drivers crown without a fight as he punched the air in delight as he crossed the finishing line.

Brazil's Rubens Barrichello is third fastest in the other McLaren with Kimi Raikkonen, just two points adrift of Schumacher, fourth fastest at a little over half-a-second slower for McLaren.

Spain's Marc Gene was a career-best fifth quickest in the other Williams after being called in as replacement for Ralf Schumacher who is suffering with headaches.

Jenson Button was seventh quickest for BAR Honda with David Coulthard eighth in the McLaren.

Giancarlo Fisichella qualified in 13th for Jordan, while team mate Zsolt Baumgartner lies in 18th position on the grid.