GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Schumacher: Spa is my living room

Schumacher: Spa is my living room

Monday 22nd August 2011

Michael Schumacher says he has "fresh motivation and energy" ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

It's a race that marks the 20th anniversary of the seven-time world champion's debut.

The then 22-year-old qualified a sensational seventh in a Jordan at Spa-Francorchamps back in 1991 and although Schumacher retired on the opening lap of the race with a clutch failure, he had announced himself to Formula One.

Fast forward two decades and Schumacher returns to Spa having qualified higher than seventh just once in 11 races to date this season as he continues to struggle two years into a comeback with Mercedes GP.

He has outqualified team-mate Nico Rosberg just once in 2011 and also trails his young German compatriot by 16 points in the drivers' championship.

Even so, ahead of this weekend's race, Schumacher hopes that both the month-long summer break and a return to the scene of his six Belgian Grand Prix victories - a favourite for both drivers and fans - can serve as inspiration.

"The race in Spa will certainly have a special touch to it this time, as this is where I drove my first ever Formula One race 20 years ago," he said.

"It's hard to believe that this was such a long time ago. A lot has changed in those 20 years, but one thing has not: the track is still sensational. I just love the great nature of the location and the resulting layout with all the ups and downs.

"To me, Spa remains my 'living room', because it has been the stage for so many things which have been remarkable for my sporting career.

"This is why this time I would like to specifically send a big thank you to all my fans for their loyalty and support, which I was happy to receive during those 20 years and also since my comeback."

Schumacher added: "Talking about the sporting side prior to Spa, we are all returning from the summer break with fresh motivation and energy, and will try to set an exclamation mark at the Belgian Grand Prix."

Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)