Schumacher aims to equal another record at German GP

HOCKENHEIM, Germany -- Six-time world champion Michael Schumacher has had little success at his home race, the German Grand Prix. But a victory here Sunday will equal his record for most wins in a season.

The Ferrari driver has won only twice here in 11 starts, his worst record at any track. The last time he had to drop out of a race because of a mechanical failure was at the German GP in 2001.

He finished seventh at Hockenheim last year, one of the rare times he failed to make the podium in the last five years. Still, Schumacher is optimistic about going for his 11th victory in 12 races this season. In 2002, he set the record of 11 wins in 17 races.

"Hockenheim, for me, has always been one of the most important rounds of the season, even though it hasn't been the scene of my best moments in the past," Schumacher said.

Schumacher had a similarly poor record at the British Grand Prix entering this season's race. But he won for his third career victory at Silverstone.

"I managed to improve my record there," Schumacher said. "I hope to do the same at Hockenheim."

He'll go against last year's German GP winner, Juan Pablo Montoya of Williams-BMW.

Ferrari, meanwhile, can clinch the team title with a little help. It is 95 points ahead of second-place Renault. If it leads by 108 after Hockenheim, it will gain its sixth consecutive team title and 14th overall.

"We would rather do it here," Schumacher said. "It would be a nice present for our fans if we could do it."

Barring injury or illness, Schumacher is virtually assured of his seventh world Formula One title. He has 100 points, with only teammate Rubens Barrichello in range at 74.

Jenson Button of BAR-Honda is the best of the rest at 53. But his chances to overtake Schumacher could decline over the next two races. A victory is worth 10 points, and there are only seven races left in the season.