Hakkinen refuses to write-off Schuey

While Hakkinen starts on pole for the first time in three races, title rivals Schumacher and David Coulthard are fourth and fifth on the grid.

"I understand Michael had traffic on his fastest laps, but the times show he was competitive in the first and second sectors," said Hakkinen. "Ferrari are competitive and they will be in the race. They just didn't get it right this time."

"It's great Michael is behind me; it's great David is behind me," added the Finn. "But things could be very different tomorrow. I'm aiming to win of course, but I am struggling to guess what could happen tomorrow - how the conditions are."

The Finn has led the last two races after rocket starts off the second row of the grid. But he heads into tomorrow's 13th round of the world championship without a Belgian GP win to his name after nine attempts. In contrast, Schumacher has won four times from eight starts, while Coulthard was the winner here 12 months ago.

Hakkinen has a two-point lead in the title chase after his dominant victory at the last round in Hungary.

Hakkinen has 64 points, Schumacher 62, Coulthard 58 and Barrichello 49.