Schumacher surprised by gap to rivals

Schumacher, four times a winner at Indianapolis since Formula One returned to America in 2000, secured his 67th pole position in style with Ferrari sweeping the front row of the starting grid.

The German's Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa was second quickest.

The seven-time champion was over half a second ahead of Massa and over a whole second in front of third-placed Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella.

"We are very strong all weekend long, very consistent, with the pace in general," said Schumacher. "I am very surprised by the gap. I would rather give up something and use if for other periods.

"To be more than one second ahead is a lot, but it shows that when the package works we can be really strong. We have suffered in recent races when things not working so well, but it has all gone perfectly here."

Schumacher, 25 points behind Renault rival Fernando Alonso in the title race, is now confident he can win tomorrow's race.

"We are quick so it would not be a surprise if we have a good chance to win tomorrow. It is obviously the only race down here in America and it has always been a great time for us coming here," said the German.

"As Ferrari we have been very successful here, I want to go into the books as a five-time winner tomorrow but there is a long way to go until we can achieve that."