Ralf: Belgium Win was Possible

The German was challenging Juan Pablo Montoya for the lead in the damp early stages before a change to dry tyres proved disastrous - slowing his pace dramatically and forcing him back into the pits for intermediates.

But despite throwing away any chance of a podium finish by taking the gamble on dry tyres, Schumacher believes Toyota did the right thing because there was a chance of grabbing the team's maiden victory.

"If things had gone our way, it (the win) was possible," he said on Friday. "We were very competitive in the race and we went for dry tyres early, at my second pitstop.

"These things are very close calls and if the tactic had worked we could even have had a decisive advantage over the McLarens. But as things turned out I had to change back to intermediate tyres.

"I stopped again for dry tyres with four laps to go so, altogether, I had four pit stops. To finish seventh and still score points just goes to show how strong we were."

Despite the disappointment of Spa, Schumacher claims the season has already exceeded expectations - and has made it clear that he is enjoying life much better than when he was at Williams.

"It has been very good so far and a lot better than we all expected. The car performed well again at Spa and we were very competitive."

He added: "Toyota is a very enjoyable team to work in, with better feelings than I have ever had in the past. Toyota has a different way of working with drivers than Williams had. Both teams work well in their own way, but I personally prefer it at Toyota."