• Spanish Grand Prix - Qualifying

KERS problem persuaded Schumacher not to run in Q3

Michael Schumacher went out on hard tyres in Q3 in case any other drivers were unable to complete a lap © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Report:
• Webber grabs pole for dominant Red Bull
  

• Race:
• Spanish Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes

Michael Schumacher has revealed it was a KERS problem that prompted him not to set a time during the final session of qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Schumacher was the only driver not to set a time in the top-ten shootout and saved himself a fresh set of tyres for the race. Without his KERS operational, Mercedes believed he would struggle to qualify higher than 10th and as a result sent him out on hard tyres, but only with the intention of covering off anybody in a similar situation.

"Unfortunately in Q3, my KERS system did not work but we reacted in the best possible way," Schumacher said. "We took the decision to go out on prime tyres to be able to react if other cars did the same. As no-one did, we came in without setting a time so we can now choose our strategy for tomorrow.

With an set of fresh soft tyres available him, Schumacher is hoping he will make up positions in Sunday's race.

"I will certainly try to have another of the good starts that I have made recently, make up some positions right at the beginning, and take it from there," he added. "With DRS and KERS, overtaking is possible even in Barcelona, so it is important to use your tyres well, and I still have a set of fresh tyres left. I will definitely try to make the best out of it."

Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug said Schumacher would have been in a position to qualify higher without the problem.

"Michael's car suffered a KERS problem before his planned Q3 lap, and therefore we decided not to use another set of fresh tyres. Our strategy in qualifying concentrated from lap one on saving tyres for the race and that is what we have achieved today, albeit probably to the cost of a better place on the grid. We are sorry for Michael as he definitely would be starting further up the grid without the KERS issue."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.