Ferrari Hope to Convert Grid Positions into Podium

Ferrari go into Sunday's Italian Grand Prix occupying first and second place on the grid for the first time this season, the perfect position from which to overhaul McLaren.

The grid positions will give hope to the thousands of Ferrari fans expected at Monza that Schumacher can close the gap on world championship leader Mika Hakkinen and set up a thrilling finale to the Formula One season.

Ferrari's sporting director Jean Todt was delighted with the grid positions.

"This was an absolutely wonderful qualifying session resulting in the team's seventh pole of the season, the sixth for Schumacher. We have achieved the dream result of having an all-red front row in front of our own fans," he said.

But Todt warned against over-confidence ahead of Sunday's showdown.

"Saturday's performance should not blind us to the fact that the most important part of the weekend is Sunday's race. It has happened in the past that after a good qualifying performance we have gone on to have a less successful race."

After disappointments in recent races that saw him surrender the leader to Hakkinen, Schumacher was in upbeat mood in the paddock.

"Obviously, it is good for the championship having us both at the front. Rubens can be a big support for me or maybe I will be supporting him.

"We will have to see tomorrow. But it is good to be back on the right road," he said.

Like all the drivers, the Ferrari pair are concerned about the tight first chicane which has been modified for this year's race. They will be relieved that their front grid positions should keep them out of any scrapes.

"The first chicane will be tight and everyone will have to be reasonable and disciplined," said Schumacher.