Title contenders admit to tactical errors

'I am sure Ferrari are kicking themselves every bit as much as we are,' said Coulthard after coming out on top of the four and looking a good bet for his first victory of the season on Sunday.

Schumacher salvaged sixth place, Hakkinen a lowly 14th and Irvine 17th, respectively some of their worst grid positions for their current paymasters.

'This was a nightmare qualifying session. By the time we went out on the track it was too late. It was then a case of damage limitation,' said Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt.

Ron Dennis agreed, 'With hindsight it would have been better to have gone out in the early part of the session.

'But our job was to cover the competition and David did that exceptionally well.

'Mika's final run was disrupted by multiple yellow flags as a result of most of the field taking to the greener parts of the circuit.'

Hakkinen would not complain though, saying, 'It is impossible to make excuses because the weather conditions were the same for everyone.

'But it did feel as if the yellow flags were worse for me. I was just not able to feel confident in the car today and that is why I have qualified 14th.

'Then again you have to be positive and optimistic - after all that is when you score the points.'

Schumacher was philosophical, 'The session was chaotic. We chose to go out late because the racing line normally improves.

'Today this did not happen and so we learn something new. If it rains tomorrow it will be a very difficult and dangerous race.'

His team-mate, Eddie Irvine, ended the session in the sand and without power steering to end up with one of his worst grid positions as a Ferrari driver.

'It was a major tactical error not to go out early. The car was aqua-planing everywhere.

I was heading for a better time on my last run when I came across a car in the chicane and spun trying to avoid him.'