Both Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were upstaged by their team mates in qualifying today in Albert Park. Jacques Villeneuve set a blistering pace when he out-qualified his team mate, Damon Hill, and set pole position for his debut Grand Prix. This is only the second time in the history of the Modern World Championship that a debut driver has won pole position. Villeneuve was very happy about his performance: "I feel great. It is a great show of the Rothmans-Williams-Renault, it's a great team." He said about his team-mate Hill: "Damon has been very quick. But it's good that both cars are quick and for sure it is going to be a great race tomorrow."
Damon Hill was a little bit disappointed: "I thought I had the edge on Jacques but he just pulled one out at the end."

Eddie Irvine also impressed the crowd, setting third fastest time, eclipsing Michael Schumacher on the grid. Michael Schumacher was forced to use the T-car in qualifying.

The session was halted when Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, the rookie Minardi driver, spun off. But the debut of the Italian driver is going better and better. He hasn't made any real miles in his car and he has improved his performance over the weekend.

Verstappen did not do as expected, he did not get further up the grid then 12th. In the last couple of minutes he spun his Arrows and stalled his engine causing him to end his session on the grass. Martin Brundle also did not get it on well, he blew up a Peugeot engine in the morning session and came to a 19th spot. They were also not very happy at the Benetton team: Jean Alesi had technical problems with the engine in the morning session, his Renault engine had to be replaced, Berger went through the gravel causing damage to the car.
Both Forti's failed to make the 107% cut and as a result will not be able to start the race proper tomorrow.

Grid:
1.Villeneuve
2.Hill
3.Irvine
4.Schumacher
5.Hakkinen
6.Alesi