Alonso also has an improving McLaren, the team he is joining next season, to worry about.

Kimi Raikkonen, last year's winner in Hungary, was third in Hockenheim and is celebrating his 100th grand prix start this weekend.

However it is Schumacher, holder of the circuit lap record and the only driver to have won four times in Hungary, who remains the man to beat.

"Our chances are pretty good, even though I'm usually careful in saying things like that beforehand," the 37-year-old said on his Web site. "I don't think we will be quite as dominant as last race. But we don't have to be.

"The most important thing is staying focused and keeping our goals in mind."

Formula One history will be made elsewhere on the starting grid when Robert Kubica, replacing Canadian Jacques Villeneuve at BMW Sauber, makes his debut as the first Polish driver to start a grand prix.

Pole position could take on a whole new meaning.