Schumacher Pleased with Practice Work

World Champion Michael Schumacher kicked off Ferrari's German Grand Prix party with the top time in free practice for Sunday's Formula One race.

Roared on from the moment his red car blasted out of the pitlane, the newly-crowned five times champion gave his army of home fans what they wanted to see, lapping the new Hockenheim track faster than anyone else.

The German's time of 1:16.086 was 0.162 quicker than Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello, who was second fastest.

"I had a good day," said Schumacher. "As usual at Hockenheim I get a warm reception from the fans. It is a pleasure to be here as they all support me and push me forward."

German Schumacher, winner of eight out of eleven races so far this year, joined the majority of the drivers in praising the new layout of the Hockenheim circuit.

"I like this new circuit and in my opinion, it is a great success," he said. "Of course it requires a lot more aerodynamic downforce than the old Hockenheim and that means the Motodrom section has become more fun to drive. The new layout flows nicely and there are some overtaking opportunities. It is quite demanding."

Barrichello, who in France last weekend was left stranded on the grid for the second race in succession, was also pleased with the track changes.

"I like this new circuit," he said. "It is good to drive, even if of course, it is still a bit dirty and green as it has never been used before. We experimented with various different settings on the car, as well as carrying out a tyre evaluation programme: all of this while learning our way around the new layout. Everything went fine and it was a quiet day."