Ralf stays positive despite dismal season

"It's been a difficult year but we have made some progress and it's only mid-season," said Schumacher, 32, who had said before the season that he ranked himself as one of Formula One's top three drivers.

"I'm sure that we'll be stronger towards the end of the season," said the Toyota driver, who is 15th in the drivers' championship with two points from nine races. He was fourth overall in 2001 and 2002.

"I'm happy at the moment."

Schumacher has faced withering criticism in the German media for falling short of expectations this season, the year he was supposed to emerge from the shadow of his brother, seven-time champion Michael, who has retired.

Ralf, now one of the more experienced drivers in Formula One with 172 starts in 10 years, said he did not want to discuss his future at a news conference.

"At the moment there is nothing to say," he said.

Schumacher has batted down reports in recent weeks that he was about to be dumped by Toyota after, or even before, his contract runs out at the end of the season. He has said he is certain he will remain in Formula One in 2008.

"It's good to be here and back home," Schumacher said, flashing a smile at a question pointing out his victory here in 2003 and his two fourth place finishes in 2001 and 2002.

"It would be great to repeat it," he said of his victory for Williams. "But it is a little difficult this year. Our goal is the top 10 in qualifying. We know the direction we have to go. We know what we have to do."

The circuit is less than an hour's drive from his childhood home near Cologne, which is also where Toyota's Formula One operations are based.

"I hope that one of us can do something for the fans that are coming to see us," said Schumacher, referring to teammate Jarno Trulli.

Schumacher has been regularly beaten by Trulli in qualifying. Trulli is 10th in the standings with seven points.