Ralf makes most of penalty let-off.

Ralf Schumacher showed just why he and his Williams-BMW employers fought so hard to have the ten-place penalty imposed on him after the Hockenheim Grand Prix overturned by taking a front row spot for this weekend's Hungarian race.

Ralf Schumacher showed just why he and his Williams-BMW employers fought so hard to have the ten-place penalty imposed on him after the Hockenheim Grand Prix overturned by taking a front row spot for this weekend's Hungarian race.

The German had been blamed for causing the multi-car pile-up at the start of his home race, and was initially slapped with the FIA's recently-introduced next race penalty, which would have added ten places to whatever grid slot he achieved in qualifying. However, after an appeal hearing in Paris earlier in the week, Schumacher managed to commute his punishment to a fine, allowing him to compete for a legitimate grid position at the Hungaroring.

The relief in having the penalty lifted was even more evident after he annexed a front row slot alongside poleman Fernando Alonso on a circuit notorious for its lack of overtaking positions.

"Being on the front row is obviously nice, and it is obviously a big relief that my ten places on the grid penalty was cancelled and I can actually start from the place I fought for," he confirmed.

However, despite his joy at taking second spot, the German was quick to point out one potential drawback at having qualified so well.

"I am starting from the dirty side of the track, which is not the best place to be," he explained, "I tried very hard, but it did not work out. I don't know why the Renaults are so quick - I just don't like the idea that they are. I know certainly they did a very good job here this weekend and we have to accept that. Hopefully, Fernando will be nice and kind to open the door tomorrow and then it will be a nice race."

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