Schu puts Monaco behind him

The Ferrari driver fended off BAR-Honda's Takuma Sato and Monaco GP winner Jarno Trulli to take the top spot by over six tenths of a second as he drove a 'perfect' lap to notch up his 60th career pole.

As the German readily admits, pole was important not just for the race, but psychologically, for it has given him a welcome boost following his embarrassing retirement from the Monaco GP last weekend.

"It is good to be racing so soon after Monaco to put that disappointment behind me. I had the perfect lap, but I am surprised at the gap to the others, although I am not surprised to be on pole as I expected to be very competitive here," he said. "It was nice not to be first on the road in pre-qualifying as that helped in being able to run towards the end of the session. As for the race, I am looking forward to it, as there is always some extra motivation from the fans at a home race."

Team-mate Rubens Barrichello was a second off the pace of Schumacher in the second Ferrari, but didn't seem too concerned despite being down in seventh.

"Apart from Michael, who did a great time, we are all within a few tenths of one another, so it only took very little to be higher or lower on the grid," said the Brazilian. "I think we have a car and tyre combination that will be very competitive in the race and so I am reasonably confident about tomorrow. It will be a tough race and we have everything in place to get a good result."

Team boss Jean Todt was delighted with Schumacher's fifth pole of the season and dedicated it to Fiat boss Umberto Agnelli who died earlier this week.

"We dedicate this pole to Umberto Agnelli, who would have been proud of Michael's achievement today," he said. "We are pleased to renew our acquaintance with pole after Michael's run of five was interrupted in Monaco. All things considered, Rubens also did well and is in with a chance of a good result tomorrow."

As ever, technical chief Ross Brawn was in awe of his charge. "Michael had a fantastic qualifying session today with a really unbelievable lap!" he exclaimed. "Michael did an impeccable job. Rubens made a few mistakes, which given how close the times were, cost him a few places on the grid. We are looking forward with optimism to tomorrow's race."