Schumacher Admits to Costly Mistakes

German Michael Schumacher admitted he made two costly mistakes during his final flying lap in today's qualifying for the European Grand Prix that ruined his chances of scoring his first pole position since the Spanish Grand Prix nearly a month ago.

"I just made two little mistakes in the last two corners, honestly, just pushed a bit too hard and overdid it," Schumacher said. "That's it. Obviously there is no excuse. We could have done it and if I had not had the two last mistakes then I should have done it, but that is not the case."

Ferrari driver Schumacher, Championship leader with a massive 43-point lead over Williams drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, had to settle for third place in today's session behind the two drivers from the Grove-based squad.

Schumacher's progress, however, was hampered by a mechanical problem in his racing car during his first run, forcing the German champion to switch to the spare Ferrari, which didn't include a revised engine cover.

"We got stuck in gear, I couldn't change gears any more and that meant we had to change cars," he explained.

Having to take the start from the second row of the grid behind the two Williams, Schumacher admitted he is expecting a tough event on Sunday.

"We have had worse situations in the past and it's certainly tougher than being up front but that is the way it is so we have to deal with it and we will see whether we can," he added.