Schumacher ready for another tough race

The Ferrari driver only qualified 0.323s off team-mate Rubens Barrichello's pole time, but an unusually close session meant that the gap translated to six places on the grid for tomorrow's race.

"I did not manage a perfect lap, having made a small mistake in the first corner," said Schumacher. "Considering how close the times are, my grid position is the result of this small slip up. Seventh is not the best position, but we will have to see what strategy the cars in front of me have adopted. On top of that, the weather might change quickly and affect the outcome of the race. It will be a tough afternoon, but as usual I will try my best."

Ferrari boss Jean Todt also refused to be too pessimistic about Schumacher's chances in the race. He said: "While his time is not far off that of that of those at the front, Michael only managed to take seventh place on the starting grid. Given the new regulations his chances are still intact. Tomorrow, we can expect a tough and demanding race in which the various strategies and the changeable weather conditions could play a key role."