Schumacher expected more in qualifying

The seven-time world champion failed to make Q3, unlike his team-mate Nico Rosberg who ended qualifying seventh, and hinted afterwards that inconsistencies with the Mercedes KERS had hindered his progress.

"After winter testing coming to the first race we had expected certainly a different performance so naturally there is some disappointment," Schumacher told the BBC. "I mean the times we did in testing were very clear and we had a good interpretation.

"We haven't matched this performance here, and we need to understand why that is and that is going to be the major job we have in front of us.

"I don't what the other guys would or wouldn't have done but the soft tyre was working for more than one lap so I used that for the first qualifying and the second qualifying," he added. "Then I went to a new set after that, but we had an issue with the KERS working then not working, so it was a bit of an inconsistent session.

"But anyway I don't know what exactly was the problem with Nico, but over the weekend we are not where we are supposed to be."