Michael rules out Williams challenge

The Anglo-German outfit was expected to be in the thick of a three-way battle for victory with McLaren-Mercedes and Ferrari. But Ralf Schumacher, who has won two races this year, wound up eighth at the end of the first day's practice while Juan Pablo Montoya is 17th.

The world champion believes Williams will be affected as their Michelin tyres struggle with the forecasted variable conditions. Schumacher says the first day's times suggest the tables have turned and McLaren are back on form. The Silver Arrows topped the timesheets on Friday, with Mika Hakkinen quickest, ahead of David Coulthard.

Schumacher was fourth quickest with team mate Rubens Barrichello third.

"I think we can expect variable weather conditions through the weekend, which will make life tough, especially as McLaren look strong," said the Ferrari ace. "It won't be easy, but I expect that in this race we will see only two teams fighting for the win and not three as has been the case recently.

"We know we have a good car and that we are competitive."

The German also says he is trying to block out the prospect of making history by equalling Alain Prost's record of 51 Grands Prix victories if he wins on Sunday.

"I am not thinking about 51 wins, but certainly I feel on top form at the moment."

But Schumacher's Friday practice session did not go completely to plan. The German, Olivier Panis and Jarno Trulli were all fined $2,500 after the FIA ruled that the drivers were illegally using wet weather tyres before the track had been declared wet.