Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya dismayed Ferrari fans on Friday by making title rival Michael Schumacher appear slow in first qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix.
The Williams driver is one point behind world champion and overall leader Schumacher with two races remaining after Sunday's high-stakes race. He lapped Formula One's fastest circuit in one minute 20.656 seconds.
That was 0.612 quicker than Schumacher, whose quest for a record sixth title is in danger of stalling at Ferrari's home circuit.
The German has not led a Grand Prix since June, a five-race losing streak, and finished the afternoon third fastest.
Schumacher's Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello, winner last year in a Ferrari one-two that sent the red army of tifosi spilling on to the track in celebration, was 0.128 slower than Montoya in second place.
McLaren's Finn Kimi Raikkonen, two points behind Schumacher in the closest and most enthralling title battle in years, was fifth fastest in 1:21.966. His time was matched exactly by Australian Mark Webber in a Jaguar.
Times in Friday's first qualifying:
1. Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia) Williams one minute 20.656 seconds
2. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) Ferrari 1:20.784
3. Michael Schumacher (Germany) Ferrari 1:21.268
4. Cristiano da Matta (Brazil) Toyota 1:21.829
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) McLaren 1:21.966
6. Mark Webber (Australia) Jaguar 1:21.966
7. Jarno Trulli (Italy) Renault 1:22.034
8. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Renault 1:22.103
9. Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Germany) Sauber 1:22.203
10. Olivier Panis (France) Toyota 1:22.372
11. Jenson Button (Britain) BAR 1:22.495
12. Nick Heidfeld (Germany) Sauber 1:22.547
13. Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) BAR 1:22.858
14. David Coulthard (Britain) McLaren 1:23.154
15. Justin Wilson (Britain) Jaguar 1:23.609
16. Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy) Jordan 1:24.179
17. Zsolt Baumgartner (Hungary) Jordan 1:24.872
18. Nicolas Kiesa (Denmark) Minardi 1:26.299
Ralf Schumacher (Germany) Williams no time
Jos Verstappen (Netherlands) Minardi no time