Schumi: Changes will help me

Despite winning 11 out of 17 races during the 2002 season (and handing at least one more to team-mate Rubens Barrichello), Schumacher started from pole position on just seven occasions - the same number as Juan Pablo Montoya. However, the German believes shifting the emphasis away from building up to one mega lap to being quick out of the box suits his style.

"I especially find the change to the qualifying format rather positive because I can set a fast lap time straight away," he told Reuters.

The five-times champion was less happy to see Spa, his favourite track, lose its place on the schedule though.

"I find it naturally sad that Spa is no longer on the calendar because the track is associated with many fond memories."

Schumacher made his GP debut at Spa in 1991; took his first GP win there a year later and has since stood on the top step of the podium in five more Belgian GPs.