Ferrari's Michael Schumacher has claimed pole position for Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. The German, along with his younger brother, overcame fears about the health of their mother, who is in a coma in Germany after a fall, to grab the first two places on the grid. It is the first time the Schumacher brothers had both been on the front row of the grid since their home race at Hockenheim last year.
The elder of the two took top spot by just 0.014 seconds to claim his second pole position of the season for Ferrari and the 52nd of his career. The German pair spent much of last week by their mother's bedside before flying direct to Imola for this weekend's race. "Her condition is certainly stable," Ralf has been quoted as saying. "But we're still very worried about her."
A close confidant of Schumacher senior said: "This is a very private thing. She has been in hospital since last week. Michael and Ralf are in constant contact with their father and the doctors." The Schumacher's are said to check on their mother's condition after every session in Italy but there is no question of them not racing tomorrow.
Despite his second place today, Ralf's position at Williams is said to be under threat and speculation is rife that he will be replaced at the end of the season.
Brazil's Rubens Barrichello qualified in third place for Ferrari with Juan Pablo Montoya fourth in the other Williams. Mark Webber maintained his fine early season form with fifth place for Jaguar Racing to edge out the McLaren of championship leader Kimi Raikkonen. David Coulthard, nine points behind McLaren team-mate Raikkonen, will start in a lowly 12th spot after he was outqualified by the Finn for the first time this season following an untidy one-off lap.
Ralph Firman was 19th for Jordan-Ford after a ragged qualifying lap when he locked up his wheels braking too late for a chicane while Giancarlo Fisichella, favourite to take over from Ralf Schumacher at Williams, finished in 17th spot.
Afterwards, Schumacher senior revealed his delight to be back at the top of the grid. "It's good to be back on top. I knew this was not going to be another straight forward season like last year and it was only a matter of time before it hit us. But it's a long season and we are 16 points behind the first driver after three races. But we have 13 races to go and there is a chance to make up the points," he said.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
