Schuey expects Williams challenge

The German thinks his local circuit will suit the Williams, but hamper McLaren due to its low grip levels.

"I think BMW-Williams will go very well there," said Schumacher. "It is obvious that in Canada they would have been ahead of the McLaren-Mercedes if they had not had problems. I reckon they will be even stronger than McLaren. Overall, I feel the Silver Arrows are making progress and have improved a great deal, but BMW-Williams is definitely quicker. The McLarens go well on circuits where you need a lot of traction and that is not the case at the Nurburgring."

Schumacher admits the technical nature of the Nurburgring makes it a challenge for drivers and engineers alike.

"The most important thing for the Nurburgring is to have a well balanced car, which is not easy to achieve," he said. "The cars tend to understeer on this track. But I feel we can be confident and competitive even here. However, it is clear to see that the competition has got closer, as can be seen from the fact we did not get pole position at either of the last two races. I think it could be the same situation at the Nurburgring. The tyres will be very important in terms of the overall package. We will have to wait and see who has the better tyre to suit the conditions."

Schumacher dashed home after testing last week to watch Germany progress to the latter stages of the World Cup finals.

"I also have my fingers crossed for Italy on Tuesday, and I would be happy to see a Germany v Italy semi-final," he added [Italy subsequently lost to South Korea - ed].Test driver Luca Badoer shook down both Schumacher's and Rubens Barrichello's Nurburgring race cars at Fiorano on Monday, as well as the spare F2002. His fastest lap was a 59.375s.