Schuey hopeful of home boost

Michael Schumacher is hopeful of a home boost to his title hopes in Sunday’s German Grand Prix but expects a fierce battle at Hockenheim.

The German knows this weekend’s race will be far different to last year’s which turned into a victory jig after he had wrapped up a record-equalling fifth drivers’ crown the week beforehand.

Schumacher celebrated with only his second victory in his home race – and first for Ferrari in six attempts.

“Last year this race was one of the highlights of the season,” said Schumacher. “I had won the drivers’ championship at the previous race and came to Germany with the feeling that I could really celebrate the title with my fans.

“On top of that, I was very confident about my chances in the race, which is not all that common at Hockenheim.

“Victory came after years of trying with Ferrari and when I stood on the podium, I felt like the happiest man in the world. With that in mind, obviously I can’t wait to return to Germany, ready to fight on the track.

“This year, the race definitely looks a much tougher prospect than last season’s and everyone at Ferrari is aware of that, but it is not an impossible task. Recently, we have made significant progress, so we feel well prepared. We can expect a very tough race.”

Schumacher’s best result in the three races since his last grand prix victory is third in France and he has not led any of those races – his worst run for over six years.

The 34-year-old heads into the 12th round of the 16-race season leading McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen by just seven points.

Colombia’s Juan Pablo Montoya is seven points further back while Schumacher’s brother, Ralf, is two points worse off in the other Williams.

“The competition is tougher this year,” admitted Schumacher ahead of the final race before the three-week summer break.

“Several times this year we have seen that the true performance level of the teams at various circuits has only been revealed over the course of the weekend.

“This applies particularly to those circuits where we do not usually test and Hockenheim is one of these, so we will have to wait and see what we can do.

“It can be considered as a track which is not particularly suited to the Ferrari, but of course we will be out to prove the opposite.”

Raikkonen, who reduced the deficit by a point after finishing third at the British Grand Prix having at one stage looked as though he could regain the lead, is determined to maintain the pressure on his title rival.

“Although I did secure a podium finish at the British Grand Prix, the team’s main aim going into a race is of course to win it, and it was disappointing not to do so as the car felt competitive,” said the Finn.

“There are still five races to go and there is only a gap of seven points to the lead of the drivers championship, with a lot of points still to be won.”