Schumacher Blames Tyre Pressure

The Ferrari driver, winner of the Silverstone race last year and twice before that, could only set the 10th fastest time despite an impressive first sector.

After that, Schumacher struggled and kept losing time during his flying lap.

"We had a problem with rear tyre pressures," said Schumacher. "Naturally if you are good in the first sector then you struggle in the last, they [the pressures] were too high.
 
"The race performance is anyway better than qualifying but we should have been further up front so it is quite difficult."

Schumacher ruled out winning the race on Sunday, and admitted he was hoping for a podium finish at best.

"It's hard. Perhaps between 3rd and 5th," he said of what he expected from the race. "I anyway look forward to tomorrow, I have been in worse position and still done a good race."

The German finished over 1.3 seconds off pole position man Fernando Alonso, although Schumacher will start from ninth place following Kimi Raikkonen's penalty for an engine change.

The German felt sorry for the McLaren driver, who will have to fight his way back to the top for the second consecutive race.

"Poor Kimi, he has to do it again," Schumacher said.

Schumacher's teammate Rubens Barrichello qualified in sixth place, but the World Champion was unconcerned by that.

"I am not so sure that is what I need to watch honestly, we will find out what happens."