Schumi glad to have Belgium back - 25th August 20:43pm GMT

After a year’s absence from the Formula 1 calendar, the Belgian Grand Prix returns as the fourteenth race, much to the delight of Michael Schumacher. ‘Spa has always been special for me’, began the six-time world champion. ‘I am very happy to see the Belgian GP back on the calendar. This race seems to be linked to my career in some way. I have enjoyed some fantastic moments here and so I can only express my delight that I can race on the track again. Spa preserves the features of the old style circuits, ones that are very different from modern tracks. Even if today’s single-seaters have made the circuit a little easier, it is still a challenge. Driving the perfect line here, especially in some stretches, is just thrilling. It is not coincidental that generations of drivers have raved about Eau Rouge!’

And if, for an unlikely series of coincidences, the Ardennes circuit seems linked to Michael’s career, this year’s race could continue the trend. By winning his thirteenth race of the season or earning two more points than his only challenger in the Drivers’ championship, team mate Rubens Barrichello, Michael could notch his seventh world title. ‘I know that this will be one of the topics of conversation this weekend’, smiled Michael. ‘However, I won’t be approaching this race any differently than the others. The important thing is to race well and whatever happens, happens. It is great being in a position to win the title at this stage, but this is the fruit of an unexpected and superb season’.

The world champion would not be drawn on where he thought the title would be won, whether it be Spa or Monza, the Scuderia’s favourite. ‘Both have their attractions but the most important thing for me is to win the title; where I do it is secondary. Rubens still has a mathematical chance of winning and I take his challenge seriously: until victory is secure, all the other factors are meaningless and so I don’t even take them into consideration’.

Before the weekend gets under way, Michael will take part in a charity football match on Wednesday. The German champ will line up with a Drivers’ XI against a Belgian All Stars team. The match will be held at 20:30 at the Bielmont di Verviers stadium.