DRS glitch hurts Schumacher again

While Rosberg gave Mercedes a breakthrough fourth place, Schumacher will start only 14th, as the moveable wing system continued to prove unreliable on his car.

"What a shame for me today as we have clearly demonstrated this weekend that as a team we have improved a lot," said the former champion. "Nico proved that strongly with his fourth place which was our realistic target.

"I didn't quite get my lap together in Q2 and since then we have found out that my rear wing was not functioning correctly as I was braking into Turn 14.

"I am obviously hoping to have a strong start and that we have good race pace tomorrow so I can hopefully make up some positions."

Team boss Ross Brawn said he was disappointed that Schumacher had been unable to show what he could really do.

"The car has been much better this weekend and both drivers were in a good position going into qualifying today," Brawn said.

"It's a shame for Michael this afternoon as it didn't quite work out with the red flag and then his rear wing malfunctioned at the end of his crucial lap costing valuable time."