Ruben Barrichello of Ferrari will start Formula One's first race in China on pole position after setting the fastest time of qualifying Saturday in Shanghai.

The Brazilian claimed pole position in one minute 34.012 seconds for Sunday's 16th race of the season, last one to the crowded Formula calender.

His teammate Michael Schumacher, who unfortunately spun his Ferrari at turn one, will start from the back of the grid together with Gianmaria Bruni of Minardi.

Kimi Raikkonen, in a McLaren-Mercedes, clocked 1:34.178 to fill the front row. Jenson Button in the BAR Honda line alongside with Sauber's Felipe Massa in the second row.

Schumacher, who already clinched an unprecedented seventh drivers' crown, is seeking a maiden victory on the brand-new Shanghai circuit, as well as his career 63th pole and 83th win.

"I was shocked to see Michael make the mistake," Barrichello said after the qualifying.

The 35-year-old has failed to win either of the last races although he secured an unprecedented seventh drivers' crown in Belgium.