Schumacher: British Support Won't Help Button

Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher says the cheers from the British fans will not help Jenson Button win Sunday's race.

German Schumacher has won nine of the opening 10 rounds of the season in his all-conquering Ferrari, while British BAR-Honda Button has emerged a potential race-winner after collecting a host of podium finishes.

But Schumacher has told the British fans starved of success over a summer of sporting failure to save their breath if they are hoping to cheer Button to victory.

"It is different than in football," said Schumacher. "We have an engine in the back which makes a lot of noise and a helmet around our ears that stops the noise coming in. We can react less to the noise of the fans because when you are driving in a tight situation all you do is watch the road, the car, the traffic and the situation - not what the fans are doing.

"As well, support can either motivate or make you more nervous - it depends how you react to the pressure, to the media and to the fans."

Despite telling home supporters that their best vocal efforts will make no difference to Button's chances, Schumacher insisted that he expected a warm reception from the Silverstone crowd.

"I think so far I have had a very positive reaction from the fans," added Schumacher. "There has been a lot of support for Ferrari and myself because, if you think about it, motor racing has a big bank of supporters. I hope some of them will cheer for me as well."