Schumacher was left with a mountain to climb in the last race of his career after qualifying 10th for the title-deciding Brazilian GP.
SAO PAULO: Michael Schumacher was left with a mountain to climb in the last race of his Formula One career after qualifying 10th for the title-deciding Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday.
Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa took pole position for his home race while Schumacher, who must win on Sunday to have any hope of retiring with an eighth world title, watched helplessly from the garage.
Renault's world champion Fernando Alonso, who needs only a point for his second title, was fourth fastest.
Schumacher had been fastest in the second session of the knockout format but failed to complete a timed lap in the final shoot-out for pole position.
Technical director Ross Brawn told German television there was a problem with the fuel pressure.
Formula One Grand Prix of Brazil starting grid
1. Felipe Massa (Brazil) Ferrari
2. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) McLaren
3. Jarno Trulli (Italy) Toyota
4. Fernando Alonso (Spain) Renault
5. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) Honda
6. Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy) Renault
7. Ralf Schumacher (Germany) Toyota
8. Nick Heidfeld (Germany) BMW Sauber
9. Robert Kubica (Poland) BMW Sauber
10. Michael Schumacher (Germany) Ferrari
11. Mark Webber (Australia) Williams - Cosworth
12. Pedro de la Rosa (Spain) McLaren
13. Nico Rosberg (Germany) Williams - Cosworth
14. Jenson Button (Britain) Honda
15. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italy) Toro Rosso - Cosworth
16. Scott Speed (US) Toro Rosso - Cosworth
17. Christijan Albers (Netherlands) MF1 - Toyota
18. David Coulthard (Britain) RedBull - Ferrari
19. Takuma Sato (Japan) Super Aguri - Honda
20. Sakon Yamamoto (Japan) Super Aguri - Honda
21. Robert Doornbos (Netherlands) RedBull - Ferrari
22. Tiago Monteiro (Portugal) MF1 - Toyota
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