Michael Schumacher scorched to his first pole position in eight races at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza today.
Schumacher took top spot by just 0.051 seconds from Williams-BMW's Juan Pablo Montoya whom he leads in the championship by only one point with three races left.
Brazil's Rubens Barrichello was third fastest in the other McLaren with Kimi Raikkonen, just two points adrift of Schumacher, fourth fastest little over half-a-second slower for McLaren.
Spain's Marc Gene was a career best fifth quickest in the other Williams after being called in at replacement for Ralf Schumacher who is suffering with headaches.
Jenson Button was an excellent seventh quickest for BAR Honda with David Coulthard eighth in the McLaren.
Jaguar's Justin Wilson will start possibly the most important race of his career in 15th spot knowing a point scoring finish could secure a full-time drive with the team next year.
The Jordans of Giancarlo Fisichella and Zsolt Baumgartner - replacing Ralph Firman who failed a medical on Thursday - finished 13th and 18th respectively.