“Rubens did a great job, which is always the case when a driver takes pole position,” said the German driver. “And of course we know Rubens is very quick. As for my own performance, my second run was good, partly because the circuit was getting quicker. But I lost time in the first sector as I braked too much in the first two turns. Unfortunately the brakes were not perfectly balanced.”

“However, I am now in a position to try and help Rubens take the runner-up slot in the championship, but as usual I will run my own race. I can’t see myself slowing down cars behind me. I will push as hard as I can as usual, but of course, I will not take any unnecessary risks in trying to overtake him at all costs. We are a team ad we have to help each other. We should not forget that there has always been team strategy in Formula 1. Everyone applies it when it is needed.”

The five times world champion is confident of a good race feeling that the Bridgestone advantage will once again be apparent in the race. Michael was also pleased to see his younger brother Ralf once again get the better of Juan Pablo Montoya.

“At the moment we seem to be in a really strong position. The car is very good and the tyres are really consistent and I expect the Bridgestones to have the upper hand in the race. The Michelins worked very well today, partly because of the high temperature, but I think it will be a different situation in the race,” continued Schumacher. “I am happy that my brother Ralf went well. In some races, Montoya has gone better than him, but since Hockenheim Ralf has been stronger than Juan Pablo and he could have a good race.”

The constructor’s title is up for grabs tomorrow with Ferrari needing to score at least the same number of points as Williams to secure their fourth consecutive title. And Michael believes it would be harder for the team to lose tomorrow than it will be to win, that’s what you call confidence!