Schumacher feels effects of time factor

MANAMA, March 13, 2010 (AFP) - Michael Schumacher admitted on Saturday that the modern era of quickfire Formula One qualifying caught him by surprise as he claimed seventh place on the grid for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Mercedes GP's German driver Michael Schumacher drives at the Bahrain international circuit on March 13, 2010 in Manama, during the third free practice session of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. AFP PHOTO
Mercedes GP's German driver Michael Schumacher drives at the Bahrain international circuit on March 13, 2010 in Manama, during the third free practice session of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. AFP PHOTO

The 41-year-old, seven-time world champion, who is making his comeback after three years in retirement, was still satisfied with his performance in his Mercedes although teammate Nico Rosberg will start two places ahead.

"I didn't really find it easy to find the peak performance and speed of the car in the time available. But I am happy because we are working well as a team. It is a long race and the season is even longer," said Schumacher.

"I am satisfied with seventh place having been away from Formula One for such a long time.

"By coincidence, it's the same grid position that I had when I started my career at Spa in 1991. I'm looking forward to the race and I expect even more to come."

Schumacher's German compatriot Sebastian Vettel, 19 years his junior, seized pole for Sunday's race in his Red Bull.

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