BMW WilliamsF1 Team driver, Ralf Schumacher, grew up not far from the Nürburgring. Like every other year, Ralf is looking forward to racing at his home GP. This weekend, for the first time this year, the Formula One circus will be putting up its ‘tents’ in Germany. The seventh round of the 2004 Formula One World Championship is not only the home Grand Prix for BMW, but also for Ralf Schumacher.
"The Nürburgring has always been special for me,” said Ralf, “It is only a short drive from Kerpen, where I grew up, so I have watched many races there. I also practiced my road car driving on the old 'Nordschleife'."
The German had his first experience of the 5.148 kilometre Nürburgring at an early age. "I’ve competed in 18 races on the Nürburgring and I won my first race in a Formula BMW Junior car there in 1993, which has to be a good omen. In any case, I am really looking forward to the great atmosphere and hope to see many BMW WilliamsF1 Team fans at the track," said the 28-year-old.
After Juan Pablo Montoya’s win at Monaco in 2003, the Nürburgring witnessed the second chapter of an impressive comeback for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. Starting from the second row of the grid, Ralf was able to take the win in the German Eifel region. Juan Pablo crossed the line in second place, making it a one-two win for the Anglo-German partnership. "I was absolutely delighted to win my home race last year,” said Ralf, “Such an event is an unforgettable highlight in a drivers' career."
Only one week later, at the French Grand Prix, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team's pairing celebrated another one-two finish. Once again it was Ralf who took the chequered flag in front of Juan Pablo.
A win at the Nürburgring this weekend would once again be a season highlight for Ralf. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team, however, cannot be rated among the favourites for victory at present. "A repeat performance would be more than welcome. I will obviously do everything I can to make it happen, although our package is not working as well as it was last year,” commented Ralf, “I can promise, though, that we will keep working around the clock to return to form and compete with the front runners."
