Kimi Raikkonen last night claimed pole position for today's United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis as Michael Schumacher's chances of celebrating a record sixth drivers' crown tomorrow suffered a massive blow.
The German could qualify in only seventh spot and will line up for the penultimate race of the campaign behind title rivals Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya, who was fourth fastest for Williams-BMW.
Finn Raikkonen, who trails Schumacher by seven points, took a vital top spot in his McLaren for the crunch 73-lap battle - ending Schumacher's perfect qualifying record.
Schumacher's Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello was second, while Olivier Panis scored Toyota racing's best ever qualifying performance with third spot.
David Coulthard was eighth in the other McLaren, and Jenson Button posted the 11th-best time for BAR-Honda - again out-qualifying former world champion Jacques Villeneuve who is fighting for his future with the team.
Jordan's Ralph Firman will line up 18th on the grid for his comeback grand prix after missing the last two races through injury. He finished a few 10ths slower than team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella.