Ralf: We have big problems

Ferrari and Michael Schumacher could have things their own way this weekend if the fears of one of their principal rivals are proved correct. After ending Friday free practice back in a disappointing, if unrepresentative, 15th place, Ralf Schumacher, who currently lies second in the world championship was far from happy

"The track doesn't really suit us," he said. "We still have big problems with the set-up of the car and we are mostly fighting with getting a good balance. I tried the two different tyres, but we still haven't found the right solution in that area. We've got a lot of work to do."

BMW's Gerhard Berger backed up the sentiments of his driver, but remains optimistic that things will improve tomorrow.

"We are not happy even though we knew this track would not suit our car," said the former F1 driver. "I do believe that our grid position will be better than we achieved today even though this time we won't be fighting for the pole."

Like Ralf, the team's other driver Juan Pablo Montoya was also in trouble. The Colombian was back in 17th place, 1.2s off the pace of Michael Schumacher's Ferrari.