Violent Rain Storm Hits Hockenheim

Michael Schumacher hoped for a rainy German Grand Prix and must have been delighted to see a violent storm break over the Hockenheim track on Friday.

A torrential downpour hit shortly after the end of the day's free practice, bringing chaos and forcing organisers to postpone Formula 3000 qualifying.

Tens of thousands of fans raced for cover, tyres were seen floating outside the team's garages and the official news conference was cancelled because of the deafening noise made by heavy rain falling on the press tent.

A strong smell of sewage was noticed around the circuit's high-tech digital television centre.

The shuttle service to the car parks was interrupted because a tunnel under the track was flooded.

Championship leader Schumacher, who was fastest in his Ferrari in Friday's practice, said he felt rain could help him win before his home fans on Sunday.

"I really hope the weather stays like that until Sunday," he said. "A wet race wouldn't be bad for me."

The German excels in rainy weather and is eager to bounce back after failing to finish the last two races, seeing his lead over David Coulthard's McLaren whittled down to six points.