Schumacher ready to be party leader

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER is planning to party this weekend as he returns home hoping to emulate his Silverstone achievement and hand Ferrari their latest accolade.

Schumacher heads to Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix aware his record at the circuit is not as he would like, having won just twice there during his illustrious Formula One career.

It was a similar statistic ahead of the British Grand Prix 10 days ago, but Schumacher coasted to a third win at the venue, his 10th victory in 11 races this season, and his 80th overall.

Another triumph on Sunday and Schumacher will have equalled his own record for number of wins in a season set in 2002, although on that occasion it took him 17 races to achieve the feat.

“You can say whatever you want but a grand prix like Hockenheim is always something special,” said Schumacher.

“It is one of many races, but it is also a little different. It is my home race and Hockenheim, for me, has always been one of the most important rounds.

“It hasn’t been the scene of my best moments, but at Silverstone I managed to improve my record there and I hope to do the same at Hockenheim.

“The car is a great one that has done well on all types of circuit so far, and although Hockenheim will be a tough race, we have a good chance there. In any case, I will be giving my all.”

There is every chance Ferrari will clinch their sixth successive constructors’ championship at Hockenheim, which Schumacher says would spark “a very big party”.

Ferrari need to accumulate 13 more points this weekend than nearest rivals Renault, who trail by a mammoth 95 points in the standings.

Schumacher added: “It’s going to happen sooner or later. It’s difficult to avoid winning the constructors’ title now. But it is unbelievable what we’re doing this year. It’s just the guys getting their reward for all the work done back at the factory.”

Meanwhile, Hockenheim has been criticised by Jordan’s head of race and test engineering, James Robinson.

The track has undergone changes in recent years, and Robinson feels this is to the detriment of the circuit.

He said: “Hockenheim is not the track it once was - gone are the beautiful long straights and a tighter track replaces them, requiring a higher level of downforce than the old long circuit. In some respects it’s removed some of the interest of the track ... now it tends to blend into the others.”