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Schumacher brothers all fired up for homecoming race
Nurburgring (Germany), June 27: All-conquering Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is aiming to add more statistics to his already extensive collection this weekend in his own backyard at the European Grand Prix.
Nurburgring (Germany), June 27: All-conquering Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is aiming to add more statistics to his already extensive collection this weekend in his own backyard at the European Grand Prix.
Victory for Schumacher at the Nurburgring would see the German claim his 50th win for Ferrari and would also see him surpass 1,000 career points as he chases a record-breaking sixth world championship.
The Ferrari driver grew up in nearby Kerpen and is out to score his fifth win in six races this season, a win that will extend his advantage at the head of the standings over Mclaren driver Kimi Raikkonen.
Schumacher admits that driving in front of his adoring home fans will provide him with an extra incentive as he aims to add yet more accomplishments to his CV.
"Coming to the Nurburgring is something special for me," said Schumacher, who finished second to team-mate Rubens Barrichello in the race last year. "It is not so far from my home and usually a lot of my fans turn out to support me. That in itself is already a help and it is a great feeling when you arrive to find this tremendous atmosphere.
"It's good to have this support and also I have many good memories of this place. It is great but even more important is knowing that, with the F2003-GA, I have a car which is simply amazing, with a very good performance level.
"It is a fantastic feeling coming to the Nurburgring, but it is even better knowing that I can expect to be fighting for the win. Our car goes well on all the circuits and we are always in the hunt for the win."
Schumacher has won the race four times in eight attempts. The European Grand Prix will also be a homecoming for Schumacher's brother Ralf, who was heavily criticised for not challenging for victory in the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
Ralf, the younger of the brothers, started from pole for the second race in succession but sat behind Michael for two-thirds of the race as his search for a victory continued.
He eventually finished as runner-up and his Williams team were far from happy with his performance.
But Ralf, who has never finished higher than fourth at the Nurburgring, insists he is more than capable of upstaging his brother and believes that Williams' recent improvement in form could see him make it to the top of the podium.
"The FW25 is continually improving and producing good results," said Ralf. "This has obviously been hugely motivating for everyone in the team as well as for myself.
"Formula one podiums have been elusive but I'm hoping the recent developments we've made to the car will change that and I can come away with a good result."
Raikkonen and team-mate David Coulthard will once again drive last year's MP4-17 as they aim to regain the ascendancy in the title race, with the new 2003 car expected to debut at the British Grand Prix next month.
The Nurburgring race will hold special significance for Coulthard, who will start his 150th Grand Prix - 125 of which have been with Mclaren.
Bureau Report
The Ferrari driver grew up in nearby Kerpen and is out to score his fifth win in six races this season, a win that will extend his advantage at the head of the standings over Mclaren driver Kimi Raikkonen.
Schumacher admits that driving in front of his adoring home fans will provide him with an extra incentive as he aims to add yet more accomplishments to his CV.
"Coming to the Nurburgring is something special for me," said Schumacher, who finished second to team-mate Rubens Barrichello in the race last year. "It is not so far from my home and usually a lot of my fans turn out to support me. That in itself is already a help and it is a great feeling when you arrive to find this tremendous atmosphere.
"It's good to have this support and also I have many good memories of this place. It is great but even more important is knowing that, with the F2003-GA, I have a car which is simply amazing, with a very good performance level.
"It is a fantastic feeling coming to the Nurburgring, but it is even better knowing that I can expect to be fighting for the win. Our car goes well on all the circuits and we are always in the hunt for the win."
Schumacher has won the race four times in eight attempts. The European Grand Prix will also be a homecoming for Schumacher's brother Ralf, who was heavily criticised for not challenging for victory in the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
Ralf, the younger of the brothers, started from pole for the second race in succession but sat behind Michael for two-thirds of the race as his search for a victory continued.
He eventually finished as runner-up and his Williams team were far from happy with his performance.
But Ralf, who has never finished higher than fourth at the Nurburgring, insists he is more than capable of upstaging his brother and believes that Williams' recent improvement in form could see him make it to the top of the podium.
"The FW25 is continually improving and producing good results," said Ralf. "This has obviously been hugely motivating for everyone in the team as well as for myself.
"Formula one podiums have been elusive but I'm hoping the recent developments we've made to the car will change that and I can come away with a good result."
Raikkonen and team-mate David Coulthard will once again drive last year's MP4-17 as they aim to regain the ascendancy in the title race, with the new 2003 car expected to debut at the British Grand Prix next month.
The Nurburgring race will hold special significance for Coulthard, who will start his 150th Grand Prix - 125 of which have been with Mclaren.
Bureau Report