Schumacher concerned ahead of Spanish GP

World champion Michael Schumacher admits he is not looking good for a repeat of his stunning Imola pace in this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona.

The Ferrari driver was easily the quickest in San Marino and was only denied victory by a combination of his qualifying error and superb defensive driving from Fernando Alonso.

Hopes were high in the Ferrari camp that Schumacher’s world title challenge was back on track but after the first practice sessions at Barcelona the German was not optimistic.

Schumacher was almost three seconds slower than today’s pacesetter Pedro de la Rosa and confessed hard work is necessary if Ferrari are to fight for a first win of the season.

The seven-time world champion, who trails Alonso by 26 points in the title race, said: “Our performance today did not look very promising. We must now analyse all the data to see in what areas we can improve the car.

“We did plenty of laps today so we have all the data we need to achieve that.”

Schumacher’s task is made harder by Alonso’s sky-high confidence.

The local hero returns to Spain on the back of three consecutive wins and will be cheered on by 300,000 fans over the whole weekend.

His first taste of that atmosphere was a belated one after the Renault driver shunned first practice, but when he completed over 20 laps to set the ninth-quickest time in the second session, he was impressed.

“Today was really special for me, to be out on the circuit this morning and able to see the support in the stands,” he said.

“I know there are lots of people coming to the race from all around Spain so I am excited for the weekend.”

Pedro de la Rosa set the fastest time in both practice sessions. McLaren team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya upstaged him in the second though.

The Colombian is preparing for his first race back after missing two grands prix due to a cracked shoulder blade but he made an inauspicious start to his return.

In the dying seconds of second practice, Montoya lost control of his car at turn nine and slammed into the barriers backwards, causing heavy damage.

He was able to jump clear of the wreckage and despite initially favouring his injured shoulder, Montoya insists no damage was done.

He said: “I don’t know what happened but I just lost it. I went to see the FIA medical delegate afterwards and he said I was absolutely fine. My shoulder has been coping well and until the last lap everything had been going according to plan.

“I’m excited about the rest of the weekend and hopefully we will put on a good show.”