Schumacher’s confidence low ahead of home race

Schumacher finished fourth for Ferrari in the Silverstone race, losing a vital point to McLaren-Mercedes’ Raikkonen, and had to watch his team-mate Rubens Barrichello lift the winners’ trophy.

The five-time champion is determined to win the German Grand Prix for his home fans this weekend but admitted: “Many people believe that Hockenheim will not be suitable for the Ferrari.

“Last year I was very confident about my chances in the race, which is not all that common at Hockenheim, and it was one of the highlights of the season.

“I can’t wait to return to Germany, but this year the race definitely looks a much tougher prospect than last season and everyone at Ferrari is aware of that.

“It is not an impossible task and, recently, we have made significant progress, so we feel well prepared. But we can expect a very tough race.”

Schumacher and Ferrari can expect Williams-BMW – and their two drivers Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya – to fight hard for victory. The Williams pair have collected 73 points from a possible 90 in the last five races, with Montoya winning one race, in Monaco, and Ralf Schumacher taking victories in the European and French Grand Prix.

But another strong performance from Williams, ironically, could be exactly what Schumacher needs to boost his Championship chances.

McLaren, with their new car now delayed by teething problems and a current testing ban for at least the next three races, have seen Raikkonen’s hopes of taking the title diminishing.

Realistically, he needs Schumacher to fail to finish in the points in his home race – which he has only done three times in 10 appearances here – if he is to strengthen his championship chances with just five races to go.

While Schumacher looks over his shoulder at Raikkonen, however, his Ferrari team have to keep an eye on Williams, who are just 10 points behind in the race for the Constructors’ Championship.