Schumacher Expecting Tough Challenge

World Champion Michael Schumacher has predicted an "interesting" challenge to his dominance in tomorrow's French Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver, six times a winner in France's Magny-Cours circuit, is chasing his ninth victory in 10 races this season. Schumacher will start the race from second place on the grid after losing out to Renault's Fernando Alonso, on pole for the third time in his career.

Alonso roared around the Magny-Cours circuit in 1:13.698 to pip the six times World Champion and series leader by 0.273. Four teams filled the first four places on the grid, a sign that competition could be hotting up at last for Ferrari and Schumacher.

"The McLarens and BMW (Williams) are back with a competitive car, or more competitive package, so everything is a lot more close. So the challenge tomorrow will be quite interesting," said the German.

"We just weren't competitive in the last sector."

Schumacher's Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello had to settle for tenth position after a difficult day. Barrichello missed the pre-qualifying session when his Ferrari developed an hydraulics problem and he was the first man on track in the grid-deciding session.