Schumacher predicts close fight for pole

After starting the last three races from pole he said he could easily end up fourth on the grid in Austria - behind both McLaren rivals and teammate Rubens Barrichello.

"I am sure qualifying will be very close indeed," said the world championship leader. "I could be first or fourth."

Schumacher wound up in fourth spot after the day's two combined free practice sessions. But if his rivals believed that Schumacher was already capitulating his accustomed spot, the German had some bad news for them: he admitted the set-up of his car was not perfect - but close to it.

"We did the usual Friday job preparing ourselves for the race working on set-up," said the double world champion. "The track is a bit slippery and they have changed the kerbs since last year. It will be a long race on Sunday and we are well prepared for it."