Trulli sets pace in pre-qualifying at Hungarian GP

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) -- Jarno Trulli of Renault posted the fastest time in pre-qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday, while five-time world champion Michael Schumacher finished ninth.

On a hot and dry day, Trulli clocked 1 minute, 22.358 seconds on the 2.72-mile Hungaroring circuit. The track has been lengthened in an attempt to improve overtaking opportunities.

"I honestly didn't expect to be so quick because the car isn't well-balanced at the moment," Trulli said. "I need to work hard with the engineers to find a better balance and improve the car for [Saturday]."

Williams' Ralf Schumacher rebounded from some poor showings to place second in 1.22.413, while Mark Webber was third in a Jaguar in 1:22.625

After winning two races in a row, Ralf Schumacher came in ninth at the British Grand Prix and was involved in a collision at the start of the German GP. Stewards said he caused the crash and fined him $50,000.

As the top scorer for the season, Ferrari's Michael Schumacher went out first and did 1:23.430 then watched as eight drivers beat his time.

"The track was incredibly dirty and again I felt like a vacuum cleaner for the others," he said." "I had no problems, neither with the car setup, nor the tires."

He still leads the overall driver standings with 71 points heading into the 13th race of the season. Juan Pablo Montoya of Williams is second with 65. McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen is third at 62.

Pre-qualifying determines the order of Saturday's official qualifying session. The drivers will have just one lap to post a time to determine the starting grid for Sunday's race.