Schumacher happy despite no pole

Crucially, however, Schumacher will start ahead of championship rival Fernando Alonso, third today.

The Ferrari driver had to settle for second place after making a mistake on both his flying laps.

Despite that, Schumacher was pleased to see Ferrari securing their fourth front row sweep of the season.

"On both tries honestly I ran wide," admitted Schumacher. "I didn't have the optimum lap in turn one in particular and then we aborted the first run to have an extra lap available for the second run but it didn't do anything.

"It is a great job from Felipe. I am happy for him. We are on the front row and that is what counts at the moment."

Schumacher, who last year endured a miserable race in Turkey, highlighted the difference a year has made for his Ferrari team.

"It is certainly very different from last year to experience the circuit," said Schumacher. "If you have a car that slides and does not go where you want it to go. This year we have a car and position it where you want. It makes it great fun."