There was little change during final qualifying session at Melboune this morning, with Giancarlo Fisichella retaining his provisional pole position. Michael Schumacher, with a fresh Ferrari V10 installed in his F2004 M, only completed an out lap before he returned to his garage, not to reappear.

Rubens Barrichello: “It was very difficult as the track was very slippery and obviously improved bit by bit with every passing car. We did what we had to do and at least I moved up ahead of one of the Jordans. Now, I just have to get my mind concentrated on the race. I hope to be able to finish in the points.”

Michael Schumacher: “My grid position was decided by what happened yesterday with the weather. My car was fitted with a new engine as checks yesterday revealed that some of the screws on the engine sump were loose. Given my position there was no point in taking any unnecessary risks. It will be a long race and anything could happen. I will do all I can to try and bring home some points.”
 

FINAL AGGREGATE QUALIFYING TIMES FROM MELBOURNE: 1. FISICHELLA Renault 3m01.460s, 2. TRULLI Toyota 3m04.429s, 3. WEBBER Williams 3m04.996s, 4. VILLENEUVE Sauber 3m06.846s, 5. COULTHARD Red Bull 3m07.212s, 6. KLIEN Red Bull 3m07.477s, 7. HEIDFELD Williams 3m09.130s, 8. BUTTON BAR 3m12.128s, 9. MONTOYA McLaren 3m14.645s, 10. RAIKKONEN McLaren 3m15.558s, 11. BARRICHELLO Ferrari 3m16.822s, 12. KARTHIKEYAN Jordan 3m17.092s, 13. ALONSO Renault 3m17.466s, 14. MONTEIRO Jordan 3m20.329s, 15. R SCHUMACHER Toyota 3m22.717s, 16. FRIESACHER Minardi 3m28.363s, 17. ALBERS Minardi 1m49.230s, 18. M SCHUMACHER Ferrari 1m57.931s, 19. SATO BAR (no time), 20. MASSA Sauber (no time