Schumacher fit for record bid

Schumacher was lucky to walk away from his crash

Michael Schumacher is hoping to equal a record 51 Formula One wins at his home Grand Prix this weekend after fully recovering from a crash in testing.

The defending world champion said he no longer feels any lingering pain after he badly damaged his Ferrari during the crash at Monza last Tuesday.

He was lucky to escape serious injury after smashing into the barriers at 120mph, but managed to walk away from the wreckage.

The 32-year-old even plans to take part in a charity football match in Germany on Thursday, the day before practice starts at Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix.

Of course it would be great to celebrate a 51st win right here in Hockenheim

  Michael Schumacher

The three-times world champion will attempt to equal Alain Prost's record of race wins on the same track on which the Frenchman notched his last victory in 1993.

"Over the weekend I did my usual physical training and so I feel perfectly fine," he told Ferrari's official website.

"The accident will not create any problems for me racing on this track as I know why and how it happened so everything is under control.

"I am really looking forward to my home race. I know the circuit and have a certain amount of experience on this track.

"Our car has been very competitive on all circuits this year so I think we can also be optimistic about the German Grand Prix.

"And of course it would be great to celebrate a 51st win right here in Hockenheim."

The German expects brother Ralf and the BMW Williams team to provide the strongest challenge.

Michael Schumacher has a 37-point lead over McLaren's David Coulthard and a win in front of his home fans will leave him on the cusp of securing a fourth championship title.