Schuey 'not surprised' by pace

Ferrari has been outpaced by Williams in the past two races, and is under pressure to get a strong result to stem the British team's championship charge. Schumacher responded in fighting fashion, outpacing Juan Pablo Montoya by 0.275s

"I am reasonably happy and this was a good day for us," said Schumacher. "I am not surprised, as we had a successful test session here a few weeks ago. Today's performance is also the result of all the hard work the team did last week in getting new parts tested and ready for the weekend. For sure, the Silverstone track seems to suit our car."

Rubens Barrichello found himself at the other end of the provisional grid, after spinning off the track on his flying lap. However, the Brazilian remains upbeat, and is hoping that his misfortune could work to his advantage if it rains tomorrow.

"I am very disappointed with what happened," he said. "I could have been first or second, which would have seen me running at the end of tomorrow's session. However and hopefully, given the changeable weather, today's result might turn out to be an advantage tomorrow!

"I was on a really good lap, then after the second split, there was a bit of drizzle and having clipped the kerb, I ended up off the track. I am not too bothered. This morning, the car was handling very well in race trim and I am confident for the rest of the weekend."