Jaguar driver Mark Webber was surprisingly quickest in the first qualifying session for the Brazilian Grand Prix on Friday.

Webber, second last out on track, benefited from drying conditions to take top spot in the session from Brazilian Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, who had been set to take provisional pole.

The Australian set the pace with a lap time of one min 23.111sec to go more than one-tenth of a second quicker than Barrichello.

Barrichello finished ahead of McLaren drivers Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard, who had taken to the track first.

World champion Michael Schumacher, who went out sixth on track by which time the rain had returned briefly, spun on his out-lap and then ended the session fifth quickest.

The five time title holder said: "The rain meant that track conditions were difficult, but not acceptable, although it was aquaplaning which caused me to spin."

Webber meanwhile was thrilled with his effort.

"What can I say - an amazing day all round. we were fortunate that the track had dried to some extent by the time I went out," said the Jaguar driver.

The qualifying session had been in doubt after drivers expressed safety concerns after running in the rain during the earlier practice session.

A number of drivers signed a petition against running in similar conditions with both tyre suppliers - Bridgestone and Michelin - having opted to use intermediate tyres as their wet weather selection. But improvements in conditions prior to the start of the qualifying hour rendered the petition meaningless.

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