Fernando Alonso was fourth fastest in qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday, finishing ahead of rival Michael Schumacher.

Schumacher, trailing Alonso by 10 points for the Formula One championship, will start the final race of his 16-year career in 10th place after mechanical problems in the final part of qualifying.

Schumacher's Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa, racing in front of his home crowd, won the pole position in one minute 10.680 seconds at the 4.3-kilometre Interlagos circuit.

``It's a sensational day for me, I'm sure I'll never forget _ this race is very special,'' Massa said. ``The Brazilian fans deserved this, it's one of the happiest days of my life.''

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, runner-up in the last two races in Brazil, was second in 1:11.299, followed by Toyota's Jarno Trulli in 1:11.328.

Alonso, who earned the pole last year in 1:11.988, timed 1:11.567 on Saturday.

Schumacher wasn't able to leave the pits for a hot lap until less than two minutes remained in the session, and wasn't able to post a time.

He had left the pits ahead of the pack early in the session but failed to get up to speed and was forced to let everyone by before heading back.

Schumacher's problem was related to fuel pressure, although it could've have been caused by an electrical failure, Ferrari spokesman Luca Colajanni said.

``Michael was not very lucky today,'' Massa said.

It was Massa's third career pole. Schumacher has the most poles ever with 68.

The last battle between the seven-time F1 champion and Alonso is on Sunday.

Alonso, who became F1's youngest champion by clinching the title at last year's Brazilian GP, can afford to play it safe. The 25-year-old Spaniard needs to finish eighth or better in the season finale to secure the championship. He can also win it regardless of his finish if 37-year-old Schumacher fails to win the race.

Schumacher had been more than a second faster than Alonso in the final practice before qualifying on Saturday. Schumacher and Massa dominated the practice and were the only drivers to race below the 1:12.000 mark.

Alonso is racing with a slower but more durable engine than teammate Giancarlo Fisichella this weekend, trying to avoid failures that could keep him from finishing the race.

Driving his last race before moving to McLaren, Alonso is seeking not only his second straight F1 title but another constructors' crown for Renault.

Schumacher hopes for an eighth title for himself, while also seeking a 15th title for Ferrari, which trails Renault by 11 points in the constructors' race.

Schumacher entered the weekend admitting the drivers' title was practically out of reach, and that his focus is on the constructors' race.