Schumacher aiming to deliver something special

LONDON: Michael Schumacher hopes that he can give his fans something special to celebrate in next weekend's German Grand Prix when he makes what may be his final appearance as an F1 racer on home soil.

The 43-year-old seven times champion believes he and his Mercedes team have this season demonstrated the potential to challenge at the front and he hinted this week that he hopes to deliver a podium finish.

A good result might also help both Schumacher and Mercedes sort out a contract extension to ensure he remains with the team beyond the expiry of his current deal at the end of this year.

Team boss Ross Brawn this week said he wanted to finalise Schumacher's future and hoped to have it sorted out by the end of F1's summer break in August.

Schumacher, who has made no definite comments about his future plans, was clear that whatever he decides to do, he still feels he has plenty to offer both the team and a packed Hockenheim next weekend.

"This year is the first time that our Mercedes works team has been capable of racing right at the front and, because of that, we're hoping for lots of support from the fans and to reward them with our performance," said Schumacher.

"Hopefully we will see a lot of Mercedes colleagues in the grandstands and we want to do particularly well for them. We have set ourselves the clear target of giving everybody a reason to celebrate next weekend."
(AFP)