Happy Schumacher Confident of Victory

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher confounded his critics with a crushing display in Friday's first qualifying for Sunday's San Marino Formula One Grand Prix.

The five-times World Champion, yet to appear on the podium after three races this year after never once stepping off it last season, was back to his familiar best as Ferrari ruled the roost at their home track.

The German, eighth on track under the new single lap qualifying format in the old F2002 car, rode the kerbs with determination to clock a best time of 1:20.628 - well inside his 2002 pole of 1:21.091.

"It's great to have both cars on the front row today," said Schumacher. "We thought we could get this result, but the opposition, particularly Williams is very close. We think we have a good car for the rest of this weekend and I think it is capable of winning. I hope so for all the tifosi.

"We always knew that Malaysia and Brazil would be difficult for us, as has been the case last year. Back then, we came to Imola and had the upper hand. For the moment, it seems to be the case this year too. Given our experience with the F2002, racing it here seems to have been a good decision so far."

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello demonstrated that Ferrari remained a cut above the rest with the second fastest time of 1:21.082 on a bright and hot afternoon at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit.

"It was a normal day, trying a variety of changes on the car this morning," said the Brazilian. "We concentrated on comparing the two types of tyre Bridgestone has brought here for us. This afternoon, I made a very slight mistake on my quick lap. Second place and the overall performance of the F2002 make me pretty confident for tomorrow and the rest of the weekend."