Schumacher Boosts Chances of Snatching Eighth World Title

Topics:  Michael Schumacher

VOA Sports
Voice of America
July 30, 2006

German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher has boosted his chances of snatching an eighth world title, with a victory in the German Grand Prix in Hockenheim, Germany.

Schumacher took the lead on the 10th lap Sunday and drove to victory for the fourth time at this event.  He finished in just under one-hour, 27 minutes and 52 seconds, beating fellow-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa of Brazil by seven-10ths of a second.  It was Massa's best result so far in his Formula One career.

Pole-sitter Kimi Raikkonen of Finland was third, more than 13 seconds back, while Jenson Button of Britain was nearly 19 seconds behind to take fourth place in his Honda.

Schumacher's win cut championship points leader Fernando Alonso's lead in the standings from 17 to 11 points, after the Spaniard finished fifth.  Alonso has 100 points, followed by Schumacher with 89.  Massa is a distant third with 50 points.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.