Ralf Happy to Score Points after Torrid Qualifying

German Ralf Schumacher was pleased after experiencing a sporting resurrection to claim fourth place at today's Malaysian Grand Prix.

The Williams driver had struggled in qualifying yesterday, posting a disappointing 17th quickest time almost a whole second behind teammate Juan Pablo Montoya. But Schumacher, who was the winner of the race last year, recovered brilliantly and went on to finish in fourth, albeit more than a minute behind race winner Kimi Raikkonen.

"This race was as demanding as 56 laps of qualifying," said Schumacher. "Driving at the front as I did last year was obviously much easier. I am happy that I achieved fourth position after I started 17th. The new rules are proving positive. They mix up the field so much that a lot goes on in the race."

Montoya's race was over before the end of lap one, when Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia crashed into the back of his Williams, damaging the rear wing. The Colombian was forced to come into the pits for repairs, losing three laps. He went on to finish in 12th position.

"No doubt my race was decided in the first lap," he said. "I was hit by Pizzonia's Jaguar and I lost most of the rear wing which forced me to pit. Unfortunately we had a mechanical problem that slowed down the wing change but the mechanics changed it as quick as they could. When I went back to the track I was 3 laps behind the leader. Such a gap was impossible to close.

"Furthermore my drink bottle stopped working after a dozen laps which made the rest of my race today very, very hard."