Ralf fastest in pre-qualifying

The McLarens of Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard were uncharacteristically far up the list in second and third. The MP4-19 appears to work well around the twisty street circuit but there is a chance that this is also a tactical ploy as the grip increases through the two sessions.

Jenson Button put in a smooth lap to go fourth quickest, in stark contrast to his form in this morning's free practice sessions when he was outpaced by team-mate Takuma Sato.

Giancarlo Fisichella looks a good bet for a good grid slot with the fifth fastest time. His Sauber looks suspiciously like it may be running on super-soft Bridgestones.

Fernando Alonso was the fastest Renault driver in sixth place, but team-mate Jarno Trulli looks as if he has more to come in eighth. Takuma Sato's BAR splits the two French cars. Juan Pablo Montoya and Olivier Panis fill out the top ten.

And what of the Ferraris we hear you cry? Well mysteriously Rubens Barrichello is currently 11th fastest and Michael Schumacher 14th and well off the pace.