Michael Schumacher took a huge step to clinching his second successive world title and a fourth in all when he bagged pole position for the Hungarian Grand prix today.
The Ferrari star, who can wrap up the title this weekend with four races still left in the season, dominated the session on the tight Hungaroring circuit.
He clocked a best time of 1 minute 14.059 seconds - well ahead of Scotland's David Coulthard in his McLaren who was second fastest in 1min 14.860.
"It will be a difficult race, but I am going out to try and win the title," Schumacher said afterwards.
"This was a perfect result for me and the team. Everything worked one hundred percent," said a delighted Schumacher who can also give Ferrari the constructors title on Sunday with a victory as well as equalling Alain Prost's record of 51 career wins.
Brazil's Rubens Barrichello was third fastest in the second Ferrari with Ralf Schumacher, who won last time out in Germany, fourth fastest in the Williams.
Jordan’s Jarno Trulli took fifth place, outqualifying Mika Hakkinen who had struggled in his McLaren. Jordan’s new recruit Jean Alesi looked uncomfortable for most of the session but rallied towards the end to take twelfth.
Michael Schumacher goes into Sunday's race with a 37-point advantage in the championship over Coulthard and 43 points ahead of brother Ralf.
With the Hungaroring track being notoriously difficult on which to pass, grabbing pole is of paramount performance.
Furthermore, the German ace can already call upon the experience of having won twice here in the past.
It was Schumacher's 41st pole of his career and the ninth this season from twelve races.
AFP