Hakkinen claims pole at Interlagos

His Mclaren team-mate David Coulthard joins him on the front row of the grid, but qualifying drama was made by a storming run from Rubens Barrichello to win third on the grid at his home circuit.

Michael Schumacher had just put in a great performance to snatch third place on his 10th lap, when the Brazilian replied with a blistering run to put the Stewart ahead of the Ferrari.

The two McLarens of Hakkinen and Coulthard set the pace very early, just running six laps each with the Finn taking the advantage.

They returned to the circuit after most of the other drivers had completed their 12 permitted laps, and the track was clear as they battled it for pole position.

And it was Hakkinen who showed first, taking more than 0.3 seconds off the time he had already set for first place.

David Coulthard tried his utmost on the final lap, but could not overtake his teammate, leaving Hakkinen with his 11th career pole position.