Alonso heads first qualifying

Seven-time world champion Schumacher was 12th fastest with team-mate Rubens Barrichello 14th in Sepang.

"Naturally, I'm not happy with the way things went," said Schumacher.

"On a quick lap, our performance is not at the same level as our rivals, but we know that over a distance things are different - and that's what counts."

Ferrari are using modified versions of its 2004 cars, with the 2005 models expected to be unveiled next month in Bahrain.

Schumacher, who failed to finish in the season-opener in Melbourne after colliding with Nick Heidfeld's Williams, is aiming for his first points of the campaign.

I hope our speed on the straight gives us an edge when we try to work through the field Michael Schumacher Schumi sorry for Heidfeld shunt

"We won't be able to recover the whole situation. But it's a very long and tough race and our aim is to finish in the points - if not on the podium," said the 36-year-old German.

"It's clear that Renault and McLaren are the big ones in the race to watch.

"At least you have more opportunities to overtake here than in Melbourne.

"I hope our speed on the straight gives us an edge when we try to work through the field."

Renault's Fernando Alonso clocked the fastest time in first qualifying, with times from Sunday's second session added on to determine the final grid placings.

"This morning, honestly, we were a bit surprised to see the times go down," said Schumacher, who has accumulated a record 83 race victories in 213 Formula One starts.

"[In practice] we were in the picture with our times. But obviously the race is more important than qualifying and we should be competitive."