Michael Schumacher says equalling his record of 11 wins in a formula-one season in the German Grand Prix in Germany on Sunday was an unbelievable achievement in front of his home fans.
Ferrari driver Schumacher scored his 11th win of the season from 12 races with only his third success at Hockenheim as his domination of the world championship continued.
Schumacher was left speechless at the reception he was given from the partisan home crowd but said he could think of no better place to equal the record he set during his march to the 2002 title.
”I’m just extremely happy,” said the six-time world champion.
”There are no words for this feeling. If you see what happened yesterday, this morning when I was out on the parade lap, all the emotions from our fans here, it was just fabulous.
”And then to win the race and to do it at home where I haven’t been that greatly successful over the years, it’s just unbelievable.
”Several numbers are coming together again this weekend, which simply makes it extra special. I’m just feeling very great.”
Schumacher scored the 81st win of his career, but conceded that McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen would have posed a major threat to his victory hopes had he not retired.
Raikkonen crashed out of the race at high speed after he was pitched into a spin when the rear wing snapped of his McLaren as he followed Schumacher down the start-finish straight in second place.
Schumacher, who eventually finished 8,3 seconds ahead of BAR-Honda’s Jenson Button, said: ”It was a pretty tough race at the beginning when Kimi was putting on the pressure.
”He was right behind and he was quick, no doubt. I think you have the general trend between the tyre manufacturers, you have certain stages in the race where one is quicker than the other and then it is the other way round later.
”I wasn’t too worried as long as he was behind me and just the strategy I think it could have worked out. It would have been a tough one, no doubt.”
Despite yet another victory, Schumacher played down his chances of remaining unbeaten for the remaining six races of the year.
”I think it is impossible,” he said. — Sapa-AFP