Ralf will still fight for a win

The German had hoped to be battling for the top spot with elder brother Michael, but his Michelin-shod FW23 was not a match for Ferrari or David Coulthard's McLaren-Mercedes and his fastest lap was more than a second slower.

Schumacher Jr is chasing Coulthard for second place in the drivers' championship and despite notching up three wins so far this season to the Scot's two, he still trails him by six points in the standings with five races remaining.

But Ralf handicapped his chances when he spun off in the final practice session before qualifying.

"I think I can be satisfied with the second row of the grid, even though the gap to the best time is quite large," said Schumacher. "I am hoping for a good start so maybe I can improve on this position in the race. I am confident we will be strong in the race just as we have been in recent Grands Prix."

The Williams team says its car will not be as good as the McLaren on the tight and twisting Hungaroring, but should come into its own at the faster circuits which are still to come this year like Spa, Monza and Suzuka.