German Fans Ecstatic at Schumacher Triumph

German fans feted Michael Schumacher in near-religious ecstasy on Sunday after their hero claimed his third Formula One world title and the first championship for his Ferrari team in 21 years.

"I am as happy as I was when my two children were born," said 29-year-old father of two Albert Block, his eyes brimming with tears, after Schumacher crossed the finishing line first at the Japanese Grand Prix just after nine a.m. local time.

Block was among 2,500 fans who made the pilgrimage from across Germany to Schumacher's old school in the Rhineland town of Kerpen, not far from Cologne, to watch the race on a big-screen television in a dining hall draped in Ferrari red.

"We drove throughout the night to follow the race in Michael's home town. The effort was worth it," Block said.

Early on, it looked as though Schumacher might not be able to claim the championship one race before the end of the season after defending champion Mika Hakkinen took the lead at the start in his McLaren Mercedes.

But groans gave way to cheers when the 31-year-old German claimed first place after pitting later than Hakkinen and managed to hold on to the lead until the finish.

Over at the go-kart track run by Schumacher's father, Rolf, one devotee said the triumph showed that "Schumi" could now do no wrong.

"It's super! I could cry but I held back my tears. Simply super," he said.

"He built himself a monument with this win. He is more famous than the Pope. He can do what he wants and nothing will happen to him."

Another Ferrari fan said he had left his wife, a Hakkinen fan, at home to come and celebrate.

"She's not here this morning and she said I don't have to come home if Schumacher wins," he said. "Of course that's only a joke, but I am very, very happy about it."

Interviewed live on German television, Schumacher paid tribute to some of the most loyal fans in sport.

"There have been hard moments when we suffered and had our fun together. Thanks for staying with me during the difficult moments," Schumacher said.

"Let's enjoy celebrating this world title and perhaps there'll be a couple more in the future."

Paying tribute to Kerpen's most famous son, town mayor Ralf Valkysers said a street would be named after Schumacher -- the one leading to to the family go-kart track.