Schumacher Thankful for Fans' Support

Michael Schumacher thanked his fans today for showing sympathy to himself and brother Ralf after the death of their mother.

"It has done us good to see how much support we received from so many sides," the Formula One World Champion said on his German website. "The condolences and messages of sympathy were a great help. I would like to thank all those who have supported us, including the many newspapers and television channels who respected our wish for privacy."

Elisabeth Schumacher had been in coma for some time after emergency surgery when she died in a Cologne hospital on April 20, a few hours before Michael's victory in the San Marino Grand Prix. She was 55.

Michael and Ralf, who came fourth at Imola, had paid her a final visit on Saturday after qualifying first and second on the grid. After winning on Sunday, Michael kept his helmet on to hide tears that welled up as he crossed the line.

The brothers attended on Friday the funeral of their mother in the small western German town of Kerpen, where they grew up and honed their skills on the local go-kart track. Michael and Ralf will be back in action this weekend in Spain, where Michael will race the new F2003-GA Ferrari for the first time.

"I'm looking forward to the new car," Michael said. "We know that it is faster than the old car and when you're a driver, you never can get enough speed. I know that I can totally rely on the people at Ferrari and I'm certain the car will be competitive."