Schumacher (1m35.723s) qualified in the top 10 for the 12th time in 19 races, while Trulli (1m36.044s), repeatedly one of the best qualifying performers over the entire season, qualified outside the top 10 for only the second time this year. The Italian’s challenge was blunted by having to go out third in the qualifying order after failing to finish in the Japanese Grand Prix.

“We have had a few problems with understeer here,” Schumacher said, “but it goes without saying that I will be trying my hardest to finish the season by scoring more points.”

Trulli added: “It has been quite a difficult weekend for us. We lost a bit of time on the opening day and we are still trying to get the TF105B to the point where it suits my driving style better. When you go out early in the session there is considerably less grip and I knew I would pay the price for that. Hopefully the car will be consistent in the race and I will be able to make up a few positions. The team has done an excellent job all year and it has been a pleasure to be here. The spirit and the attitude is first class and I really hope I can finish the season by scoring some more points for the team.”

Tomorrow’s race will decide the outcome of the 2005 constructors’ championship and the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team made a strong start to the weekend when world champion Fernando Alonso (1m34.080s) took his sixth pole position of the year with team mate Giancarlo Fisichella (1m34.401s) second fastest. Kimi Raikkonen (1m34.488s) spearheaded the Team McLaren Mercedes challenge, with Jenson Button’s BAR Honda (1m34.801s) separating the Finn from team mate Juan Pablo Montoya (1m35.188s) who, like Trulli, had the disadvantage of being one of the first three out onto the circuit. Michael Schumacher’s Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro entry (1m35.301s) completed the top six qualifiers.

Panasonic Toyota Racing’s Technical Director, Chassis, Mike Gascoyne, said: “Ralf turned in a decent lap to qualify ninth, with a lot of the times around about him very close. Jarno’s qualifying has been one of the features of the year but it was asking a bit too much of even him to overcome the low grip levels that come with running so early in the session. But we are happy with our race strategy and will be aiming to get both drivers into the points tomorrow.”