Schumacher downbeat on race chances

Schumacher, two points behind title rival Fernando Alonso with two races to to after China, will start a disappointing sixth while the Renault driver will be on pole and with his teammate Giancarlo Fisichella alongside.

Schumacher was the only driver using Bridgestone tyres to make it in a top 10 dominated by Michelin.

"Definitely we are too slow and this is very obvious," said Schumacher. "In those weather conditions we are simply not competitive. It's the best we could do.

"At least we kept the damage within limits. If the weather conditions stay like this it is not encouraging to do more, but if it is dry then let's see what we can do. It is difficult to talk about winning it, but it is a long race.

"We saw a similar thing in Hungary. We tried some new things but it didn't work out. We have to live with the situation and I still think we can do it."

Schumacher, who is yet to finish higher than 12th in Shanghai, has vowed to fight as hard as possible to get a good result on Sunday.

"I am in sixth position, not 20th so I will try and go as far as possible. There is no question. If we don't win then there are still two races to go."

Schumacher's teammate Felipe Massa will start from the back of the grid after having to change his engine on Friday.