Delighted Ralf Praises 'Perfect' Car

Ralf Schumacher was pleased after establishing Williams as German Grand Prix favourites, eclipsing his older brother Michael in Friday's first qualifying.

While Ralf stood out on a dominant afternoon for his BMW-powered team, Ferrari's Formula One Championship leader struggled to hold his own and was more than a second off the pace in ninth position.

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, seven points behind the Ferrari driver in the standings, was sixth quickest on a hot day that clearly played into the hands of Michelin-tyred teams over Bridgestone's runners.

Ralf, who has scored points in all but one races this season, was delighted with his car's performance.

"The car was perfect, brilliantly balanced," said the German, who won at Hockenheim in 2001. "The tyres were very good and we sorted out the small problems we had in the morning. I'm looking forward to the race. It's probably going to be hot and that suits our package."

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, Ralf's teammate, was second with Michelin cars filling the top seven slots.

Montoya was also satisfied: "The car has a good balance, we made the right tyre choice and we're well set for Saturday."