Race win could decide championship

The Scot had to settle for the second row after being outgunned by team-mate Mika Hakkinen for the ninth time in 11 races and Eddie Irvine, who managed to get his better-handling Ferrari on the other place on the front row.

'If Eddie wins here he is in good shape for the championship,' he said.

'I know everyone is starting the big drum roll and whip it up into frenzy but the rest of us are dealing in hard facts.

'The start is a very large part of this race but the pit stops can also decide what happens.

'You can be leading by three or four seconds and run into traffic and that can completely change things.

'It's no good saying Mika cannot afford to lose this race because it's so important. No-one can afford to lose any race, each time you do you give away four points at the very least.

'You can find yourself leading this race even when you start from the second row.

I'm always disappointed when I don't start from pole because if you are there you can control the field. But I can still win this race.

'Ferrari have been very strong in race trim and had a good car every year.

'The only time we have caught them napping was Australia and that is why we have this great battle for the championship.'