Raikkonen Finds Solace in Rival's Misfortune

A disappointed Kimi Raikkonen found consolation in beating Championship rival Michael Schumacher in today's final qualifying for the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix.

The Finn is Schumacher's sole title rival, with 83 points to the German's 92. Schumacher, who needs one point to become the first driver to win six championships after equalling Juan Manuel Fangio's five last year, could only qualify in 14th position after he had to complete his flying lap in the rain.

Raikkonen's lap was too hampered by the rain but, on a drier track, he managed to set the eighth fastest time.

"The circuit was becoming wet when we went out so our time was the best we could do in those conditions," said Raikkonen. "We will see what happens tomorrow when it becomes clear what strategy everybody is on and more importantly what the weather will do.

"We will do everything we can to make a good race and at least Michael is not on pole."

The 23-year-old Finn, who will be Formula One's youngest champion if he wins and Ferrari's Schumacher fails to score in the season's final race, had to use his teammate David Coulthard's car in qualifying after damaging his own in this morning's first free practice session.

The Scot qualified right in front of Raikkonen.

"A fairly straightforward lap, but the circuit was getting a little bit wet so I had to take that into consideration," said Coulthard. "As I only had limited running this morning the weather meant that I was probably at less of a disadvantage than normally would be the case.

"In the last sector a piece of deflector flew off the car, but it didn't affect my time and I look forward to tomorrow."