Spa-Francorchamps:  Michael Schumacher refused to write off his chances at his beloved Belgian Grand Prix on Thursday, even if everybody else did so weeks ago.

The seven times world champion will have to overcome a 10-place grid penalty in today's race if he is to rekindle a love affair that dates back to his Formula One debut there with Jordan 19 years ago.

With fifth place his bestqualifying performance after 12 races of his comeback season with Mercedes, the 41-year-old former Ferrari ace faces another afternoon skirmishing with the also-rans.

Spa has a special place in the German's heart, however, and he refused to give up hope in a news conference at the circuit he last raced on with Ferrari in 2005.

Mixed weather

"I have often called it my living room, there's lots of fantastic memories from the past and even good ones to look forward to," said Schumacher, who was penalised for a defensive manoeuvre that almost forced Brazilian Rubens Barrichello into the wall in Hungary this month.

"We have mixed weather conditions predicted for this weekend."

"Yes, we have the 10 places but it makes it extra special and exciting to try and move forward."

"With mixed conditions, obviously that could help. We are working on the car so altogether we will try to make it as good as possible but I certainly look forward to it very much because it's one of my most loved tracks and has a special excitement," he said.

First win

Apart from being the track where the Formula One world was awakened to the talents of a driver who would become the most successful the sport has ever seen, Spa is also where Schumacher has his first grand prix win with Benetton in 1992.

No driver has won on the fast and flowing Ardennes layout more often than Schumacher, with six victories, but those days are a distant memory now.

His comeback, so eagerly awaited in 2009 when he announced he was ending three years in retirement, has coughed and spluttered to the point where some fear his legacy could be permanently damaged.

Schumacher is only three points ahead of compatriot Adrian Sutil in the Force India.

Sending out an SMS apology to Barrichello

Michael Schumacher has personally apologised albeit via a text message to Rubens Barrichello for almost running him into the pit wall during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion forced the Williams driver within inches of the pit wall in an attempt to stop him overtaking, and although the Mercedes driver initially defended his actions, the worldwide criticism he received prompted him to apologise on his website.

Schumacher has now personally apologised by text as Barrichello prepares for his 300th career Grand Prix in Belgium this weekend.

Schumacher said: "There were two reasons I sent the text. One of the main reasons is that it is his 300th Grand Prix and we have quite a lot of history together so I thought it was appropriate to congratulate him. Secondly, to clarify the point because he sort of felt that I wanted to push him against the wall and very clearly this was not my ambition."

— AFP