Schumachers ready for home race

The Schumacher brothers have put the disappointments of Monaco behind them and are ready for their home race at the European Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher came to grief in Monte Carlo's tunnel last weekend when his Ferrari crashed out, ending his run of consecutive victories since the beginning of the season.

Ralf Schumacher and Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"I am always pleased to return to N?rburgring, but this time is even more special!" said Michael. "Only a week since the Monaco race, at Nuerburgring I have the chance to transform the disappointment of Monte Carlo into a successful event and this really motivates me. I hope to have the support of the fans who have always been behind me!"

"It is the first race in Germany this year and it is my home race. The circuit is close to my home town of Kerpen and I feel even more motivated than usual. Racing here always gives me a good feeling and I don't feel any pressure, as some might think."

Naturally the German is focusing on winning this Sunday: "The track shouldn't hold any surprises," he commented. "After the recent work done on it, it should be smoother and should favour a balanced set up and offer good grip. We should be able to get the most out of our cars and, in all honesty, I can't wait to take on the track in this fantastic car."

"After a pointless Monaco, my objective can only be to challenge for victory and this is all I have in mind. I am sure that we are in with a good chance and I look forward to an exciting weekend of racing."

Brother Ralf fared no better in Monaco, his Williams suffering gearbox problems that eventually forced him out of the race just a few laps from the end. Ralf is also looking forward to the N?rburgring, where he won last year. "I was absolutely delighted to win my home race last year. Such an event is an unforgettable highlight in a drivers' career, so a repeat performance would be more than welcome," he said.

"The N?rburgring has always been special for me. It is only a short drive from Kerpen, where I grew up, so I have watched many races there. I also practiced my road car driving on the old Nordschleife . I've competed in 18 races on the N?rburgring and I won my first race in a Formel BMW Junior car there in 1993, which has to be a good omen."