Schuey Jr puts blame on own shoulders

The German was half a second slower than the Colombian, who took his fifth consecutive pole position at Magny-Cours. Schumacher will start fifth after losing fourth place to Kimi Raikkonen's McLaren over the final runs.

"I still had some problems with the balance of my car," said Schumacher. "I must admit that it was my fault as I didn't manage to get it in qualifying. I am angry for this as much as I am for the mistake I made in the last corner of my last flying lap, where I lost the chance of getting a better starting position."

Williams and engine partner BMW are both confident that Montoya will be in a better position to fight for victory than he has been in other races this year.

Williams chief operations engineer Sam Michael said: "The tyres obviously worked extrememly well and we are going into tomorrow's race with more confidence than the previous races."

BMW motorsport director Gerhard Berger agreed, saying: "Compared to the past races we are in a better position here."