Schumacher apologises for blocking Hamilton

Michael Schumacher has apologised to Lewis Hamilton after baulking the championship leader ahead of his final flying lap in practice today.

Hamilton was poised to dive into the last of the 25 corners of the Valencia circuit, only for Schumacher ahead of him to surprisingly slow in his Mercedes and throw the McLaren star out of his stride.

"I must apologise as I did not see him and was not informed he was there," said Schumacher after his first day at the track, having missed the two previous races here whilst in retirement.

"As I was planning my lap at that moment and looking ahead, I was unfortunately in his way."

Hamilton had no qualms with the situation, appreciating the seven-time champion's explanation.

"It's very difficult out there to always find a gap," said 25-year-old Hamilton.

"I saw him ahead of me, but thought he was on a lap, and all of a sudden he slowed down to create a gap to the guy in front

"Around here, it's all about managing the gap between the guy in front and the guy behind

"Fortunately I missed him, so no hard feelings, and I hear he apologised anyway, so it's all good. There's no problem."

However, it might be a different matter come qualifying tomorrow and if a similar circumstance arises between any of the drivers.

"It's going to be busy, but it's always very tricky to find a gap," added Hamilton, who claimed pole position here last year.

"It is very important here to find a clean gap, but everyone is always backing up at the last corner, so it's a little like Monaco in that sense.

"But the best will be able to find that gap."