Schumacher Remains Cautious Despite Quick Start

World Champion Michael Schumacher remained cautious about his chances of scoring pole position for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix despite topping the times by over half a second in today's practice.

The refreshed Ferrari driver, who clinched a record- equalling fifth title in France last month, limbered up for what could be an historic weekend at the Hungaroring with a quickest time of 1:16.346 seconds.

That was 0.606 faster than Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello, who followed the German home for a one-two in last year's race, and compared to his 2001 pole position time of 1:14.059.

Ferrari could clinch a record 12th Constructors' Championship in Hungary, and fourth in a row, and their cars were well ahead of the rest of the field in practice.

Schumacher, with nine wins in 12 races to date this year, can make history on Sunday by becoming the first man to win 10 times in a single season. He dominated both morning and afternoon sessions on Friday, despite a spin off after lunch.

"We looked quite strong today," Schumacher said. "However, we have seen situations like this before, when we have been dominant on Friday but failed to get pole on Saturday. So, I want to wait until tomorrow and see what happens, but we definitely have a good package here, especially as the Bridgestone tyres seem to be very strong here, just as they were last year in Hungary.

"It feels good to be driving again after our short break and I am enjoying it, especially after a trouble-free day like this one."

If Schumacher takes pole position, the fastest lap and victory over the weekend, he will also equal the record of 11 such hat-tricks achieved by Britain's late champion Jim Clark.