Schuey savours home win

Ferrari and Bridgestone had been expected to face a tougher challenge in Germany than usual, with the high ambient temperatures suiting the Michelin-shod opposition. But with Kimi Raikkonen's McLaren rear-wing failing, and Jenson Button starting ten places back on the grid after an engine failure, Schuey had an easy run to the flag.

"Even the day after, the win is still vivid," said Schuamcher. "I never hid how important victory was for me at Hockenheim and I am really pleased that we managed to fulfil our potential.

"When you are able to make a lot of people happy, it gives you indescribable joy. Over the final laps, I could hear the loud cheers; it was simply fantastic."

Formula 1 now has a three week break before the Hungarian GP, another track not expected to play into Ferrari's strengths, but Schumacher can't wait to get going again: "In my view, we could do away with this break. Everything is going so well and so we could go on. However for the engineers and the mechanics the summer break is a blessing as they gain the most from the pause.

"They have, in fact, worked so hard over the past few weeks that their families have often missed out. Our wins are the compensation, but a rest is needed to recharge our batteries."

But back at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Schumacher says, the work never stops...

"There are lots of ways in which we can continue working, if not on the track then in the wind tunnel or the test benches," said Schumacher. "During the break in testing, those that normally work on the track switch to these areas. In fact work has already begun in the factory on next year's car."