Schumy at pole again, Ferrari on a run!
March 17th, 2001

Michael Schumacher will start tomorrow’s Malaysian Grand Prix from the prime grid position after a commanding performance in qualifying today at Sepang.

The German set the pace early in the 35-degree heat, but received a heady challenge from his brother Ralf in the Williams midway through. It took a late blast in the final five minutes to take the top time, and he ended up with a 1:35.220.
Rubens Barrichello confirmed Ferrari’s dominace by taking the second slot in the dying seconds and managed to better Ralf Schumacher’s time with a slick performance, which not only makes it an all-Ferrari front row, but also gives the Maranello squad a firm chance of victory.

Mika Hakkinen put in a spirited performance to take fourth, in a car that is clearly giving the Woking team problems. Poor balance thanks to a troublesome set-up has prevented progress, and David Coulthard could only manage eighth.

Jarno Trulli wasn’t able to continue his practice form in qualifying, but managed fifth. Williams rookie star Juan-Pablo Montoya was highly impressive in sixth considering his lack of track time, ahead of BAR’s Jacques Villeneuve.

Heinz-Harald Frentzen was ninth, with Olivier Panis rounding out the top ten.