Ferrari first and last in qualifying

Rubens Barrichello put Ferrari on pole position for race of the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix on September 25 while his teammate Michael Schumacher has to start from the back of the grid after a spin-off in Saturday's qualifying.

The Brazilian took the first-ever pole in China and his second in as many races, but the biggest news from qualifying is that Michael Schumacher's uncharacteristic error on his flying lap.

The German lost the back end of his car turning into the first corner. He spun across the asphalt run-off area at high speed

before rejoining the track and cruising back to the pits.

The 2004 champion would line alongside with Gianmaria Bruni of Minardi in the last row.

Even Schumacher himself was shocked by the what happened on track. "I don't know. It's the first time it's happened to me. We need to find the explanation," he said.

"I was shocked to see Michael spin," Barrichello said of his teammate after the qualifying, "He doesn't do that, you're always expecting something good."

Kimi Raikkonen, in a McLaren-Mercedes, clocked 1:34.178 to fill the front row. Rising star Jeson Button put together a typically cool, unflustered lap to set the third fastest time. He will be joined by Sauber's Felipe Massa in the second row.

Button is helping BAR to fight Renault for a second place in the constructors' standings. The two outfits sit adjacent now, with BAR only three points ahead.

Ralf Schumacher qualified fifth in the leading Williams in his first qualifying session in three months, while Fernando Alonso was relieved to take sixth after a difficult weekend for Renault.

Thrilling scenario

Barrichello also admitted they were still learning the details of the brand-new circuit, which might have affected Schumacher.

World champion Michael Schumacher led a Ferrari one-two in Saturday's final practice session ahead of qualifying and clocked the fastest lap time of 1:33.185. And then came in the spin.

"We still have to adapt our car to the demands of the track and it is not yet perfect. So there is still some work to be done, but I am confident we can have a good weekend," said Shumacher after he was a surprisingly 15th in Friday's practice.

Although the team will probably squander the evening in search of a full explanation, it appeared that Schumacher simply carried too much speed into the corner, seemingly like a reverse "S", at a point where the cars are highly-loaded, since they need to brake, turn and downshift all at the same time.

Whatever the cause, it would be breathtaking to see Schumacher has to charge through the field on Sunday's race. Having failed to win either of the last races, the 35-year-old has been keen to return to winning ways.

Schumacher already clinched an unprecedented seventh drivers' crown in Belgium, but is seeking a maiden victory on the US$320 million Shanghai circuit, as well as his career 63rd pole and 83rd win.

Source: Xinhua