Massa the star in Japan

Ferrari's Felipe Massa took a surprise pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix today.-thus stealing the spotlight away from the battle for the world championship. The Brazilian set a lap of one minute 29.599 seconds to beat team-mate Michael Schumacher by 0.112secs.

Brazilian Felipe Massa on his way to take surprise pole position for the Japan Grand Prix to be held today. - AP PHOTO

Schumacher's title rival Fernando Alonso of Renault was only fifth fastest behind the two Toyotas of Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli.

Jenson Button's Honda was seventh behind Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella.

Alonso was just under 0.8secs slower than Massa, and Ferrari's pace suggests the Spaniard will face an uphill battle trying to limit the damage to his title chances in the race on Sunday.

Alonso's pace compared with the other Michelin teams is similar to at other races this season, but Bridgestone appears to have made a big step forward for Suzuka.

Rubens Barrichello made it an all-Honda fourth row, finishing 0.586 seconds behind team-mate Button, while Nick Heidfeld's BMW Sauber was ninth.

In a testament to Bridgestone's dominance, even Nico Rosberg's Williams got in on the act, wrapping up the top 10.

But it was a miserable qualifying session for McLaren with neither Kimi Raikkonen - last year's winner at Suzuka - nor Pedro de la Rosa quick enough to make the final knockout stage.