Schumacher Upbeat after Flawless Start

World champion Michael Schumacher is confident of scoring his second consecutive victory at the A1-Ring circuit after setting an impressive pace in first qualifying for Sunday's Austrian Formula One Grand Prix.

Returning to the circuit where last season he won controversially to the sound of jeers and booing, Ferrari driver Schumacher lapped in 1:07.908. The German's time was inside the 2002 pole of 1:08.082 set by Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello, who was 0.279 slower on Friday.

"I am happy with the work we have done today, as it all looks very positive," said Schumacher. "We are learning more about the car every time we run it and this afternoon it worked very well.

"I have the best possible start position for tomorrow, when of course the final qualifying outcome will be affected by the various fuel load options. So I think we can be confident for the rest of the weekend."

Barrichello, forced to move over at the final corner to allow Schumacher to win last year, was second quickest in a session that showed Ferrari's new F2003-GA car to be a cut above its rivals.

"It is great that Ferrari are first and second today, as it guarantees us the theoretical best starting positions for tomorrow's final qualifying," the Brazilian said. "However, I was not perfectly happy with the balance of my car today, but I am sure we will be able to sort it out for tomorrow and definitely for the race on Sunday."