Michael Schumacher's enthusiasm ahead of next Sunday's German Grand Prix is understandable.

"You can say whatever you want but a Grand Prix like the one at Hockenheim is always something special," says the German. "Yes, it is one of many races but it is also a little different. It is my home race and I am in the happy position to say that I feel like that about other places, but Hockenheim, for me, has always been one of the most important rounds of the season, even though it hasn't been the scene of my best moments in the past."

The performances of the six time world champion compared to the other circuits have been relatively modest, results-wise. "At Silverstone I managed to improve my record there. I hope to do the same at Hockenheim. The F2004 is a great car that has done well on all types of circuit so far. I think that Hockenheim will be a tough race but I think that we have a good chance even here. In any case, I will be giving my all."

Michael will also be busy in the week leading up the race. First of all there will be the Partita di Cuore in Mannheim. This has been organised before the German Grand Prix for years now and is an event that the Ferrari champ enjoys very much.

"It will be a great evening," says the six-time World Champion. "A lot of fantastic players will be there and so it will be a superb game."

As well as Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Paul Gascoigne and Fernando Couto are expected to turn out. A few drivers will swap sports: Fernando Alonso, Zsolt Baumgartner and Olivier Panis. A host of German players will take to the field, among them Ottmar Hitzfeld, Steffan Effenberg, Lothar Mathaus, Andreas Moller, Thorsten Fink, Thomas Helmer, Jurgen Kohler, Karl-Heinz Riedle and Toni Schumacher.

"As I said, It should be a special event and we should all be pleased about that."

There will also be another important event during the Hockenheim GP weekend. "The GPDA is trying to organise something new for the fans," reveals the German. "As it is my home race, they can win a meeting with me, which should be great. I hope that a lot of fans turn out because, as ever, the proceedings from the event and the Partita di Cuore will go to charity."