Schumacher 'Deeply Upset' by Mother's Problems

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has said that World Champion Michael Schumacher is "deeply upset" by his mother's health problems and called for the Formula One paddock to "give him space" this weekend.

Schumacher, whose mother Elizabeth slipped into a coma after falling at home last Saturday, claimed pole position for the San Marino Grand Prix with a resilient display at Imola on Saturday.

Asked at a post-qualifying news conference about his mother and how he had managed to stay focused, the older Schumacher wrestled with his emotions as he replied: "Please, don't expect an answer."

Brawn, who has worked with Schumacher during most of his Formula One career, said: "People have to come to terms with these things in the best way that they can. I know that Michael is deeply upset and all we can do is respect that and give him space to come to terms with it himself. He's been pretty strong all weekend."

Schumacher's fastest time in qualifying at Imola marked a return to form after three races of disappointing performances from the Maranello squad that have left them third in the Championship behind McLaren-Mercedes and Renault.

Brawn said that the German driver's performance in the first two sectors of the lap secured his place on the grid but admitted there was still plenty to do in the final part of the lap.

"He was a long way up after the second sector and I gave him the time," said Brawn. "But then he has the dilemma of how much to back off. He was three tenths up and he took it that little bit easier in the final sector.

"I don't know how much fuel Williams have got on board but we're feeling comfortable with the strategy we've chosen and I think we'll have a good race," said Brawn. "We've chosen a strategy that suits our tyres and we couldn't be in a better position with the fuel load we have."