Ralf optimistic of right tyre choice

With several teams struggling with tyre graining due to the unexpected cool temperatures, Schumacher believes the Japanese squad are in a good position for the race after a promising showing in qualifying.

Schumacher will start the event from sixth place.

"Considering the difficult circumstances we can be pretty pleased with what we achieved today," said Schumacher. "Everyone expected hotter conditions for this race weekend and we have all had our problems with it. The main problem with this cool weather is graining.

"When the tyres are working under their normal temperature range a rough surface develops which prevents the tyres from having sufficient grip. The tyre basically "dissolves" and you have a big grip problem. As a result you have either understeer or oversteer.

"But the team did a great job and it looks like we've chosen the right tyre so it's promising for tomorrow. I have a good finishing record here and our recent performances have shown that we are on the up so I hope we can continue that trend in the race."

Teammate Jarno Trulli was also suffering from graining problems, but the Italian made the most of the conditions and qualified in eighth position.

"This weekend has been difficult for everyone because of the problems with tyre graining," he said. "Because it is so hard to understand how best to use the tyres it has made it difficult to set up the car so everything was a bit of a guess for me today.

"Throughout the session I was missing out on general grip and struggling with the balance. Still, we have done well to make it into the top ten and now we have to look to get the most out of tomorrow's race. In the past I've always done well here in Hungary but missed out on results.

"Tomorrow will be another hard race but at recent races we've been moving up the grid in terms of our performance so we will try to bring home a good result."