Set-up gamble backfired - Schumacher

German Michael Schumacher admitted that a risky car set-up, intended to improve the performance of his Mercedes, backfired during qualifying for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 41-year-old will start in 14th place at the Hungaroring, eight positions behind his teammate and fellow German Nico Rosberg.

Schumacher said his team had taken a gamble on the set-up of his car, with the intention of improving its pace, but admitted that it had backfired as the track temperatures rose during qualifying.

"Obviously qualifying was not ideal for us today (Saturday)," said the former seven-time world champion.

"After yesterday's performance, we purposely went for a different set-up which was supposed to tell us more about the car and was targeted more towards the race.

"It seemed to be reasonable this morning but as the track became hotter in qualifying, it went against us. Our set-up should work better in the race, although starting from 14th place does not make it easy.

"Being on the dirty side of the starting grid does not specifically help, but I will certainly try again to have a good start tomorrow. And from then on we will have to see how the race develops."

In contrast, Rosberg was delighted to have placed sixth and conceded that he was surprised as he had been struggling during practice.

He said: "I'm pleased to be starting from sixth place as we didn't think we would be that far forward today, so it's an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

"We are a long way from the front which is a concern but we took everything that we could from today and I am happy with our performance.

"We did a very good job with the set-up which meant we could get the best out of the car. Hopefully I can have a good start and our aim as always is to make up a few more places and get some decent points again."

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