Schumi: I'm not sure what happened!

Michael Schumacher will start the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix from the back of the grid, after making an uncharacteristic - and so far inexplicable -mistake in qualifying.

The German had secured himself a prime slot to chase pole after topping pre-qualifying but, when his time in the spotlight arrived, found himself going no further than the first corner before his session ended in ignominy. The rear of the world champion's Ferrari snapped out of line under braking for the tight turn one complex, leaving Schumacher in the gravel and out of the running for pole.

"I am not really sure what happened when I spun," a slightly sheepish German admitted, "We usually have to fight some understeer in that corner and we had not changed much on the car since the morning session. At the moment, the data does not provide an answer, so we will have to look into it. I don't know if it was my fault or not but, if we don't find something on the car, then maybe it is down to what is between the fuel tank and the steering wheel!"

Whilst starting among the Minardis and Jordans is not quite what Schumacher had envisaged for his first trip to China and the impressive Shanghai International facility, he carried with him the knowledge that the F2004 is capable of scything through the field.

"It is hard to say what I can do from this position tomorrow," he said, pondering a spot between Zsolt Baumgartner and Gianmaria Bruni, "One thing is certain, it will be a big challenge. I had to come through the field in Monza and, honestly, I was hoping it was the last time this season that I would have to do that. Now, I will just have to try again. I am not angry, just disappointed."

Technical director Ross Brawn and team boss Jean Todt confirmed that the team was still investigating possible reasons for the spin, but both backed Schumacher to charge to the front on Sunday.

"As far as [Michael]'s race is concerned, we must regroup and recover - we have an interesting challenge ahead," Brawn said, "But, as we showed in Monza, we never give up. It should be a fun race tomorrow."