New Qualifying to Benefit Schumacher, Says Weber

Michael Schumacher will benefit from the new qualifying system to continue his domination of Formula One, according to his manager Willi Weber.

"The best driver in the world is Michael Schumacher, he can take the car immediately up to speed within the first lap, so it will be an advantage for him," Weber told Atlas F1 during the launch of the new Ferrari F2003-GA.

Under the revised rules introduced by Formula One's ruling body - the FIA - this year qualifying will take place over Friday and Saturday, with each driver given a single flying lap on their own in each session.

Friday's times will not count towards the grid but will dictate the starting order for Saturday's decisive session, with the fastest running last.

Although he believes five-time champion Schumacher will be stronger in qualifying, Weber admitted he is hoping the Williams of his brother Ralf - who is also managed by Weber - will allow the younger Schumacher to fight the dominant German on track.

"It doesn't matter who wins the Championship as long as his name is Schumacher," Weber added. "I hope the Williams car will be strong and able to run with the Ferraris and fight them on track.

"It's what all the spectators will want to see, a fight between brothers, and at the end of the year we'll see who wins the Championship."