Schumacher hopes to take F1 title at Hockenheim

Michael Schumacher says he would be happy to wait another week to celebrate his record-equalling fifth Formula One championship before his home fans at Hockenheim on July 28 instead of in France.

The German Ferrari driver will become the sport's fastest champion if he wins in France on July 21 and his closest rivals -- Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello and Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya -- are third or lower.

That situation would make Schumacher, who leads Barrichello by 54 points, the first driver to win a championship with six races to spare.

But he told the Ferrari website that he thought the scenario unlikely and would be content to wait another week.

"For this (taking the title in France) to happen all the other drivers in the running would have to retire or be very unlucky," he said.

"And I don't think they'll do that for me.

"Anyway, it would be much nicer to win the title at the next race in Hockenheim, even though I must try and win the title as quickly as possible.

"The chances seem good, I know, but I also know that anything can still happen, so I don't want to start speculating too much."

A title at Hockenheim would still make Schumacher the first driver to take the title as early as July -- but only by three days. Briton Jim Clark won the 1965 title for Lotus at the Nuerburgring on August 1.

Schumacher has claimed a clutch of Formula One records over the last few years -- and should gain another in France regardless of the title outcome.

The German has equalled Argentine Carlos Reutemann's feat, with Williams in 1980-81, of 15 points scoring finishes in succession. Schumacher has also been on the podium now for 12 races in a row.

Asked after Silverstone whether the record collecting became boring, Schumacher said: "On the contrary, I still enjoy them a lot.

"Especially after races like this which are really hard and difficult, there is a special sense of euphoria which I don't want to give up."