Formula One news

Schumi thankful for Toyota buffer

Michael Schumacher was thankful for the Toyota buffer that stands between his second place on the grid and Fernando Alonso down in fifth. Schumacher had been set to start from pole until the final moments of qualifying when he was pipped by team mate Felipe Massa.

Schumacher will now start from the dirtier, inside part of the Suzuka grid where getting a good start will be more difficult. However he was not too concenred.

"Luckily the Renaults are in the third row, so that should last and I hope we have enough grip and performance to at least keep our positions," he said.

"I am pleased to see for that factor [Toyota on row 2], but even for Bridgestone to prove how good a job they have done," he added. "That is the best proof. I mean for us being there, it doesn't sometimes prove it, but for Toyota to jump into this position shows that obviously they have a good car, but they need the tyre to work and that seems to work together here."

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