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Schumacher looks forward to possibly his last German GP

Michael Schumacher drives by during the second practice session of the Formula One Grand Prix of Germany at the Hockenheim race track, Germany, on Friday. PHOTO: EPA

It's looking good for Michael Schumacher in what could be his last racing weekend at home.

The seven-time Formula One champion set the fastest time among race drivers in Friday's practice and left points leader Fernando Alonso 1.58 seconds behind on the 4.574km Hockenheimring circuit.

Schumacher would try to keep the momentum in yesterday's qualifying as he goes for his third straight Grand Prix win in today's German race.

"At the moment, the situation is pretty good," Schumacher said.

Schumacher didn't even take his Ferrari out in the morning session, before putting in a fast lap in the afternoon practice.

Alonso, third in the morning session among drivers who will race today, was only 15th in the second trial.

"This is quite a short lap and there seemed to be a lot of traffic out there today," the defending champion said. "My timed laps were all compromised a little bit by this."

After 11 of 18 races, the Spaniard has 96 points and Schumacher has 79.

Schumacher, though, is riding a two-race winning run. A hat trick at the German GP would see him further cut Alonso's lead in the championship.

Schumacher's straight wins in the US and France snapped Alonso's four-race streak. The Renault driver has won six races so far this season and has only one finish outside the top two. Schumacher has four wins.

No car apart from Renault or Ferrari has won a race this season, with one victory to Alonso's teammate Giancarlo Fisichella.

A shower dampened the track shortly before the second session, making it slippery, Alonso said.

"The most important thing, though, was to recognize that the conditions today were quite different to what we expect for the rest of the weekend," Alonso said.

BMW-Sauber test driver Robert Kubica used his only day of action this weekend to complete the fastest lap of the day of 1 minute, 16.225 seconds, .277 seconds ahead of Schumacher. Test drivers are only allowed to race on the practice day on Friday.

"I wouldn't put too much onto the figures," Schumacher said. "If anyone has the chance of beating us, it's Renault."

Schumacher has delayed a decision on his future until September and if he retires, this would be his final race at home.

"It's the highlight of the year for me and a lot of fun. It's a great motivation and emotion to drive here," said the Formula One's most successful driver with 88 career wins, three of them at Hockenheim.
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