Schu’s pole on a whiff of petrol
''I guess we are going to have to wait,'' said Toro Rosso co-owner Gerhard Berger, who on Friday also accused Ferrari of running low fuel.
Schumacher, 37, achieved his 66th career pole – an outright record – on Saturday, despite failing to win any of the three grands prix in 2006.
At Imola, fuel strategy – basically the choice between two or three stops – plays a crucial role, with overtaking near-impossible. On paper, two stops is best, but getting early track position is also smart.
Cynics aside, there is a feeling that Schumacher's pace is genuine, but he is perhaps running a slightly shorter first stint and – almost certainly – the softer tire. Williams and Toyota plumped for a harder Bridgestone spec.
BMW-Sauber's Nick Heidfeld noted: ''(Michael) was also very quick in the first and second phases of qualifying, where everyone goes with a light car.''
Fuel or no fuel, a lucky ace up Ferrari's sleeve is that Fernando Alonso is way down in fifth. Surely, Honda's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello are light.
Renault's Flavio Briatore reckons Schumacher is, too, but added: ''If Ferrari win, it is good for F1.''