Summary:

Barrichello took provisional pole but it was improved by Schumacher by 0.8 sec after 30 minutes into qualifying. However, the outstanding form of Schumacher was outpaced by Damon Hill to set his second pole position of this season with a 1:30.346. Villeneuve, Alesi, Berger and Barrichello will fill the 2nd and 3rd rows. No teams were disqualified for the race via the 107% rule.

Notes:

There was some concern at Mercedes since someone had broken into their pits. Mercedes hinted of possible espionage.

Spins occured from Brundle and Alesi (went back into T-car). Also, Frentzen, Herbert (twice), Montermini and Lamy all went off the track.

Quotes:

Hill on late pole position: "I was biting my nails as much as I could through my gloves while waiting in the car wondering how it would go... It was always going to be a battle. There was a lot of traffic when I was out there, but it was vital to get a clear lap and we finally managed it... You need pole position here as it is so difficult to overtake."

Schumacher on death threat by a representative group of the Kurdich rebel party PPK: "I am not too worried about it at the moment. This is not the first time I have been subject to a death threat. We will look into it."

Top six:

1. Hill
2. Schumacher
3. Villeneuve
4. Alesi
5. Berger
6. Barrichello