Coulthard made 1:33.137 to get seventh. He gave up his car in the morning free practice to Raikkonen after Raikkonen lost his original car when he skidded off the track.
Before the rain it seemed Michael Schumacher was virtually assured of his sixth world Formula One driving championship, which would break the tie he has with Juan Manuel Fangio. Now it is less certain. If Schumacher wins, it would be his fourth consecutive title at Ferrari. He also won with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 and lost the title in the final race of the season in 1997 and 1998.
The Japanese Grand Prix will also decide the constructor's championship, with Ferrari currently leading Williams, 147-144.
The race will also see a new driver for BAR-Honda. Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve decided not to race after the team announced that Takuma Sato will replace him in 2004.
Sato did 1:33.924 for 13th with BAR teammate Jenson Button at 1:33.474 in ninth. Villeneuve had a best qualifying of sixth in the first race of the season but was 12th in the US Grand Prix trials two weeks ago.
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