Schumacher clarifies rules criticism

The Ferrari driver was quoted earlier in the week claiming that moves to change the rules yet again for next year were a 'joke', but he is unhappy that some of his quotes were wrongly interpreted to suggest he was against knock-out qualifying, the return of tyre changes and the switch to V8 engines.

"I have the impression that some of my statements have been misinterpreted lately," he said. "I've said plenty of times that I don't think it's beneficial to keep changing the regulations and that I will advocate not changing the rules every year.

"However, this does not mean that I wish to criticise the new rules. Most of them are very good I think. Allowing tyres to be changed again is a big plus in regard to safety. We'll have to wait and see what to make of the new qualifying system, but also the installment of V8 engines is absolutely sensible for safety reasons in my view."

Schumacher is happy, however, at one decision taken last week - the re-election of FIA president Max Mosley.

"I don't think anyone will be surprised to hear that I welcome the fact that Max Mosley was once again appointed president of the FIA," he explained.

"Max always takes the time to listen to us, the drivers, and has been especially supportive during the last couple of months as we tried to make Formula One safer. He is always interested in our concerns and always strives to keep Formula One together and calm."