Schumacher Not Surprised by Ferrari's Pace

World Champion Michael Schumacher was pleased after blasting Ferrari back on top in first qualifying for the British Grand Prix today.

The five times World Champion, chasing his 50th win for Ferrari this weekend to increase his eight point lead in the standings, lapped in 1:19.474 on an overcast but dry afternoon to finish ahead of the Williams drivers, who had dominated the last two races.

Schumacher said that he was not surprised by his own pace despite the recent Williams dominance.

"I am reasonably happy and this was a good day for us," said the German. "I am not surprised, as we had a successful test session here a few weeks ago. Today's performance is also the result of all the hard work the team did last week in getting new parts tested and ready for this weekend.

"For sure, the Silverstone track seems to suit our car. Now, I hope everything goes equally well for the rest of the weekend, so that we can pick up some points. It was a shame for Rubens, but maybe on this track going out first or last does not make such a difference, looking at my lap today."

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, the only driver from the top three teams who has yet to win a race this season, failed to set a time after he steered suddenly off the track and became bogged down in a gravel trap. The session was halted to enable marshals to remove the Ferrari with Barrichello forced to start second in Saturday's decisive final qualifying.

"I am very disappointed with what happened," admitted Barrichello. "I could have been first or second, which would have seen me running at the end of tomorrow's session. However and hopefully, given the changeable weather, today's result might turn out to be an advantage tomorrow.

"I was on a really good lap, then after the second split, there was a bit of drizzle and having clipped the kerb, I ended up off the track. I am not too bothered. This morning, the car was handling very well in race trim and I am confident for the rest of the weekend."