Schumacher praises the heavens after German Win

“I have been dreaming of this result for a long time,” said a smiling Schumacher. “We have enjoyed a lot of success with Ferrari in the past three years, but it seemed that Hockenheim was not supposed to be mine. It means a lot to me and seeing all the crowd on the slowing down lap was a dream come true, after winning the championship last week. Finally winning in Germany after being with Ferrari for seven years is just amazing after everything we have achieved this year. I can only thank God.”

”The team did a fantastic job again. On the first stint, I had a tight battle with Ralf. I was worried about the tyres which were blistering and I had to fight to keep my advantage. On my second stint, the tyres were very good and I could attack consistently. Then, on the third stint, I could settle down and was able to slow more after Ralf had to pit. In the end, I just took it easy to bring the car home. Now I plan to relax with my family during the break and recharge my batteries for the rest of the season. We are approaching our second goal, of winning the Constructors’ title.”

For Rubens Barrichello this weekend was better than his French GP nightmare, but only just! With use of the spare car this weekend the Brazilian had to make full use of it after feeling a slight problem with his race car on the way to the grid. Barrichello made it to the grid with only seconds to spare and his race was to come to a sad end when his second stop was marred by a sticking fuel flap cover. Barrichello may have lost ground in his personal battle in the driver’s title but he scored valuable points for the team with his fourth place finish.

“It was a very difficult race,” said Rubens. “As I was going onto the grid, I felt there was something not quite right on the race car, so to be on the safe side we decided to take the spare. After the start, the car was going quite well, but it was not easy for me to try and get past Ralf. When I made my second pit-stop the fuel flap on the car did not open and that cost me precious time and a place on the podium. Once back on track, I concentrated on bringing the car home to pick up points for the Championship.”

Jean Todt was delighted with the Schumacher win but also deeply disappointed at the problems faced by Rubens Barrichello. Ferrari will continue to support the Barrichello cause for the remainder of the season and Todt along with the rest of the team will be hoping that his luck is about to change!

“This is our tenth win of the year, which is something Ferrari has only achieved once before in a single season, back in 2000,” beamed the Frenchman. “Michael dearly wanted to win here in Germany, in front of his home fans, having taken the title in Magny-Cours. The result came at the end of a very tough race. In difficult conditions and very high temperatures, our cars went well, as did the Bridgestone tyres. Just before the start we had some concerns about Rubens’ race car, which had a transmission problem and so we decided to switch him to the spare. Then, Rubens had a refuelling problem, which meant that fourth was the best he could do, at the end of a race during which he gave his all. We continue to enjoy a dream time. With these 13 points we have increased our lead in the Constructors’ classification to 65 points with five races remaining. Furthermore, we will continue to give all possible support to Rubens in the fight for second place in the Drivers’ Championship.”