Schumacher hoping for fitting result at milestone race

Michael Schumacher made his Formula One debut in 1991 © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Michael Schumacher is hoping for a strong result at Spa Francorchamps to mark the 20th anniversary of his first grand prix.

On August 25, 1991 Schumacher started the first race of his Formula One career for Jordan at the daunting Spa Francorchamps circuit. After qualifying an impressive seventh on the grid, the clutch failed at the start and Schumacher retired without completing a lap. However, it marked his arrival in F1 and 20 years later he is hoping for another good result.

"The race in Spa will certainly have a special touch to it this time, as this is where I drove my first ever Formula One race 20 years ago," the Mercedes driver said. "It's hard to believe that this was such a long time ago. A lot has changed in those 20 years, but one thing has not: the track is still sensational. I just love the great nature of the location and the resulting layout with all the ups and downs.

"To me, Spa remains my 'living room', because it has been the stage for so many things which have been remarkable for my sporting career. This is why this time I would like to specifically send a big thank you to all my fans for their loyalty and support, which I was happy to receive during those 20 years and also since my comeback."

"Talking about the sporting side prior to Spa, we are all returning from the summer break with fresh motivation and energy, and will try to set an exclamation mark at the Belgian Grand Prix."

Since his first start at Spa Francorchamps in 1991, Schumacher has secured 91 victories and seven world titles. Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn worked alongside him on every one of his championship victories and is looking forward to celebrating his friend's milestone race.

"Congratulations to Michael who marks his 20th anniversary in Formula One this weekend," he said. "It has been an honour and a privilege to work so closely with him for 17 of those 20 years, and I look forward to more good times ahead together."

ESPNF1