Michael Schumacher wins at Hockenheim

HOCKENHEIM, Germany, July 30 (UPI) -- Michael Schumacher was first to the checkered flag in Sunday's Formula One German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

In front of a roaring throng of home nation fans, the seven-time World Champion won his third straight F1 race, crossing the finish line less than one second ahead of his Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa.

"We had a superb weekend," Schumacher said. "Our car functioned really great. If we can keep this up, the championship will be really, really exciting. We hope to have our nose in front at the end."

Kimi Raikkonen (McLaren-Mercedes) was third; Jenson Button (Honda) was fourth; and Fernando Alonso (Renault) came in fifth. Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault); Jarno Trulli (Toyota); Christian Klien (RBR-Ferrari); Ralf Schumacher (Toyota); and Vitantonio Liuzzi (STR-Cosworth) rounded out the top 10.

In the points chase, defending champion Alonso leads with 100. Schumacher (89) is second; and Massa is third with 50 points.