Schumacher Laments Qualifying Error

The reigning World Champion put in a storming drive to move up the field and close down on the race leaders - often lapping two seconds faster than anyone else out on the track.

Although he appeared to have had a few chances to get past eventual race winner Alonso, he just could not get past the Renault driver.

"I had a couple of areas where I thought I could have a go," he said. "I tried, got close in a couple of corners, but he did a great race and did not mistakes. That is why he won and I got second."

Speaking after the race, Schumacher believed his mistake in running off the track at Rivazza explained far more about his failure to win that his inability to find a way past Alonso.

"I am happy in one way, and obviously quite excited but disappointed after what happened to me this morning," said Schumacher. "It this did not happen it would have been perfect, but there you go.

"We got second place, we had stunning pace and performance and that is what we take out of this race after the tremendous work from everybody in the team - the test drivers and everybody just working flat out.

"I also have to say a big thank-you to Bridgestone, who have suffered in the first stages of the season from some bad publicity. I think they will get back some good one soon."

Reflecting on his qualifying problem, Schumacher believed that the incident was caused simply by his car, which was heavy with fuel, hitting a bump at the wrong time.

"There is a bump into this corner and we had a heavier fuel load so we braked earlier," he explained. "It just locked up and then you cannot recover. I don't think this is an excuse, but I am disappointed that it happened to me.

"I should not be worried because I don't make too many mistakes, but this is one and it is a sad one."