Ralf Surprised at Splitting the Ferraris

Williams driver Ralf Schumacher admitted that he was surprised to be able to outqualify his brother and Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher in today's qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix.

"We are definitely surprised at being in between them," said Schumacher after posting the second quickest time behind Rubens Barrichello if the first Ferrari. "The gap seemed to be a lot bigger than it appears to be.

"I certainly don't know what Michael's reason was, but that gave me a chance to come in between the two of them. I did two laps very similar, the car was brilliant so thanks to the team and thanks to Michelin."

Ralf, the only other race winner apart from his brother Michael so far this year, finished less than three tenths of a second behind Barrichello despite being unable to match the Ferrari's pace during practice.

The German was happy with his performance but admitted he was somewhat worried about taking the start from the dirty side of the track.

"That's the only worry we have for tomorrow but then today I enjoy being second and I'll worry about that tomorrow," he added. "Since we all have this launch control it shouldn't be such a big issue.

"We just have to come through the first corner, it is a very exciting two starting rows at the front and let's go to the race from there."

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya had to settle for fourth place after a troubled session in which he was forced to use the spare Williams after suffering a problem with his race car as the session began.

"After all the trouble I had today, this is a pretty good result," admitted Montoya. "Because of technical problems with my race car I had to switch to the T-Car, which did not work properly at the beginning.

"It was set-up for Ralf this time and there was not enough time to change everything back, so I found it difficult to drive it."