Ralf Hoping for Dry German GP

Ralf Schumacher is hoping for a dry German Grand Prix next week and admitted that the weather conditions could play a big part in determining whether Williams will be competitive this weekend.

Schumacher, who has scored two wins so far this year for the Grove-based team, is also well aware that McLaren are set to fight Williams for the role of main challengers to Ferrari and he insists that his team are well-prepared for the race.

"As long as it doesn't rain we should be well prepared for this race," said Schumacher of his Williams team's chances. "But do not forget McLaren at Hockenheim. They seem to have made a step forward and will be strong there. It's my second home Grand Prix this season and I will be looking forward to the unique atmosphere in the motodrom, which is like driving in a football stadium.

"Hockenheim is not particularly exciting from a driver's point of view, but there are some good overtaking opportunities. The most difficult thing is to achieve the right car set-up, as you have to find enough downforce for the twisty motodrom section and high speed for the long straights."

Teammate Juan Pablo Montoya is also in positive mood for the race, recalling past successes at the German track, which he hopes he can familiarise himself with in practice and qualifying.

"I have always finished well at Hockenheim, although sometimes I have not qualified as well as I would have liked to," said Montoya. "This will be my third visit there and so it should improve my knowledge of the track.

"The Monza test has been extremely useful for us because our performance in Germany will depend on many of the factors we see at Monza, such as the importance of fuel levels. All in all, we have a good car and should be competitive there."