Rubens Barrichello claimed his seven career pole position at his home Grand Prix at Interlagos, surviving a suprising late challenge from Jaguar-Cosworth driver Mark Webber.

The Australian had started last after setting fastest time in yesterday's qualifying, a result put down to being on a drying track at the right moment. But although it was assumed he was running a minimal fuel load, he set the fastest time through the first two sectors, only missing pole by 0.044, a stunning performance for the struggling Jaguar outfit.

Either side of Webber lined up the McLaren pair, David Coulthard and Kimi Raikkonen, the top four covered by just 0.059. Trulli was unable to rediscover his Malaysian form but took fifth, while Ralf Schumacher finally had a solid session to take sixth and start ahead of his team mate for the first time this year.

Michael Schumacher had an unimpressive run, lining up on the fourth row, his car looking as if it was carrying a heavier fuel load than his pole winning team mate.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL, April 5, 2003 – Yesterday’s rain gave way to sunshine and warm temperatures prior to Saturday’s final qualifying session for the Brazilian Grand Prix.  European Minardi Cosworth drivers Jos Verstappen and Justin Wilson made good use of the vastly improved track conditions at the Autodromo José Carlos Pace, continuing with the chassis set-up work they commenced during Friday’s morning test session.  In addition, both men carried out tyre comparison runs and evaluated different aerodynamic configurations on the European Minardi PS03 chassis.  Their hard work may not have been reflected in the final grid positions – Verstappen starts tomorrow’s Grand Prix from 19th position, and Wilson from 20th – but both drivers have shown themselves to be gritty racers, and the team therefore remains optimistic for a strong result in Brazil.

JOS VERSTAPPEN  “It wasn’t a perfect lap – the first sector wasn’t bad, but we struggled a little in the second, as we have for the last two days.  At the end of the day, though, we’re about where we felt we would be in qualifying.  The Bridgestone tyres are holding up well, and I think we have a good race strategy, so I’m happy with our prospects for tomorrow’s race.” 

JUSTIN WILSON  “I was quite pleased with this afternoon’s qualifying run.  There were no problems and I drove a pretty clean lap.  The time is certainly acceptable for the fuel load we were carrying.  All told, we’ve had a productive day technically, and I’m looking forward to a good race tomorrow.”

PAUL STODDART  “Today’s performance by the European Minardi Cosworth team in near-perfect weather conditions didn’t secure quite the grid positions we would have liked, but we’re convinced our race strategy is a good one.  Both drivers completed their full technical programmes and the cars ran faultlessly all day long, so we think we’re in good shape for tomorrow’s Grand Prix.” 

Chassis allocation – Brazilian GP: Wilson (No 18)  PS03/04, Verstappen (No 19)  PS03/01, Spare car (Wilson)  PS03/02