Schumacher: Home GP will be emotional

Michael Schumacher says he is looking forward to an emotional German Grand Prix, in what will be his first home race since his return to racing.

It will also be the first time Schumacher races in Germany with Mercedes, having contested his home race with Ferrari since the 1996 season.

"There is one thing for sure; no matter how long you are around, it is always something special to race in front of your home crowd," said Schumacher in a team preview.

"At Hockenheim, I will definitely try my best for my fans who give me such a lot of support, especially over the race weekend. But the German Grand Prix is very special for any German driver. There are very few areas on any race circuit worldwide comparable to the Motodrom, and as a driver you feel that energetic atmosphere when entering.

"It will be the first time for me to come to Hockenheim as a Mercedes driver and I am very much looking forward to the experience. Driving in front of our Grandstand and in front of all the employees, members and friends of Mercedes-Benz will be an emotional moment.

"I will therefore be extra motivated to give them a weekend to remember. We will have some updates for our car which we hope will give us a step forward so we can look forward to an exciting race."

Team-mate Nico Rosberg is also fired up for what is also his home grand prix, the younger German bullish about his chances following his third place at Silverstone.

"There's always a great atmosphere at the German Grand Prix and the fans are very enthusiastic with the huge grandstands in the stadium section creating so much noise!

"It's fantastic to see their support for the German drivers. I love the track itself as it's quite challenging with some good overtaking opportunities and the races here can often be quite exciting.

"Going into one of the team's home weekends with the podium finish from Silverstone is a real boost for us, and we will be working hard to continue our improvement in performance and have a strong weekend."