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.

reuters