Schumi back on the winning trail

The German got back on the winning trail as he triumphed at his home Grand Prix at the Nurburgring for the first time in five years.

Schumacher again proved he is peerless in the rain as he outclassed the entire field to win for the fourth time in six races.

"I was dreaming of such a result at the start of the season and sometimes dreams come true," said the double champion.

"We are in a good position, we have a strong car and we have a points advantage. So often I have been behind in the points, not ahead as we are now. Its great"

"This victory is one of my best. I knew all weekend we would be strong, and strong enough to fight for victory, but I knew I still had to fight for it."

"It was interesting and I enjoyed it. Everything went perfectly. We've had a difficult time for the last two races, but it couldn't last.

"This is one of the most wonderful days of my life.

"What is most important for me is it is my first victory with Ferrari in front of my home crowd. I hoped I warmed their hearts a little."

With his first victory for Ferrari at the Nurburgring he put an end to McLaren's string of 1-2 finishes to recover the momentum in the battle for the world championship.

"The only critical time with the tyres was when it started rain and I was on slicks. None of the front runners wanted to take a chance on pitting for rain tyres and find they were slower. In the end it was obvious it was the right choice," said Schumacher.

"I aquaplaned a few times, especially at the end of my last set of tyres which I did 30 laps on - but at least it wasnt as bad as Silverstone."

"I had a few big moments, but that is normal in conditions like this."

Hakkinen had taken the lead from third off the start, then Schumacher stole ahead in the run up to the Veedol chicane on lap 11.

The lead changed hands with the pit stops but after the leaders had all completed two the German emerged ahead and stayed there to the chequered flag.

He now has 46 points, Hakkinen 28 and Coulthard 24. With his 39th win, Schumacher is just two behind Ayrton Senna in the all-time winners list.

Rubens Barrichello was fourth, Giancarlo Fisichella fifth and Pedro de la Rosa sixth, equalling the best result of his career.