Sato makes history

The BAR-Honda ace punched in a supreme time in pre-qualifying to take provisional pole ahead of Ferrari's Schumacher. The German was just too good for Sato in final qualifying, though, and the 27-year-old had to settle for the runners-up spot albeit with a lap that even got a nod of approval from Ferrari team boss Jean Todt.

"Qualifying on the front row of the grid is a fantastic result. I'm so excited!" Sato beamed. "Qualifying third in Spain was a great moment but I just wanted to keep improving from there and this is the next step. I'm thrilled with my lap because it felt very clean.

"Michael's lap was stunning but I didn't let it affect me. I just got on with the job and everything went well," he added. "Today's result is special in many ways and this is the first time I have qualified on the front row of the grid which is fantastic for me. I really hope I can turn this into a strong podium finish in the race now but I will focus on enjoying today for now."

BAR's jubilation was slightly muted, though, with Jenson Button only able to secure fifth place despite having high hopes going into qualifying.

"I'm very disappointed with my lap because we could have done much better today. I came into the weekend expecting to make the front row but lack of grip has been a big problem and that was the case in qualifying," he explained. "The track conditions have been quite changeable so we'll have to wait and see what tomorrow holds, but we have a good car and I'll be doing what I can to make the most of the overtaking opportunities."

Team boss David Richards was delighted with his charge and hoped Sato would repeat the fantastic start he made in Monaco.

"One can't help but share in Taku's excitement and all his fans in Japan will be thrilled to see him become the first Japanese driver to line up on the front row of a Formula One grid," said Richards. "Let's hope we see a similar start from him as we saw in Monaco!!! We need to understand how Jenson lost out on his potential for a far better grid position but I'm confident that he'll soon put today behind him and set his sights on another podium."