Williams star Montoya clocked one minute 21.415 seconds around the 3.194-mile circuit and will be out second-last in qualifying – with Schumacher the final driver out.

Montoya was closely followed by the Ferraris of Rubens Barrichello and Schumacher, who were both less than two-tenths adrift but with the latter pushing too hard as he attempted to reassert his dominance.

Schumacher’s desire to maintain the upper hand saw him take a rare off-track excursion as he drove his Ferrari to the limit.

The five-times world champion, who is currently eight points clear of his rivals in pursuit of an all-time record sixth title, slipped up as he entered Brooklands.

The 34-year-old, who will look to claim the 55th pole of his career later today, then took a trek across gravel and grass before returning to the circuit at Luffield.

Brother Ralf claimed fourth in the second Williams, with the top four comfortably clear of Olivier Panis in his Toyota and the McLaren of David Coulthard in fifth and sixth.

Jenson Button was down in a lowly 13th and two seconds off the pace, with the Jordan of Ralph Firman in 18th, while Minardi’s Justin Wilson brought up the rear.