Schumacher 'crossing fingers day and night' for rain at Spa

Mick Schumacher is hoping hard for rain this weekend at Spa, believing a wet track would give him and Haas an opportunity to shine in Belgium.

In Hungary, last time out, adverse conditions and exceptional circumstances at the start of the race allowed Schumacher to slot himself among the top ten, the F1 rookie even sparring at one point with Max Verstappen for the better part of ten laps.

Schumacher eventually finished P12 at the Hungaroring, a career best, but the damp conditions early on in the event definitely boosted the Haas' performance.

The German is hoping to get more help from the elements in the Ardennes this weekend, and so far the weather forecast looks like the German's prayers will be answered.

"I’m hoping for rain, I’m crossing my fingers every night and day that it will keep on raining," Schumacher told Formula1.com.

"I was a bit scared when I arrived yesterday because it was sunny, so hopefully the rain will stay and that should give us an opportunity here."

Spa is obviously strongly embedded in the Schumacher family's heritage, with Mick's father Michael enjoying his F1 debut at the track in 1991 - or thirty years ago this year - and winning six times in Belgium.

• Read also: Gachot recalls shock events that led to Schumacher debut

But the Haas driver has also enjoyed several strong outings on the legendary Ardennes circuit.

"I’ve had a few good races here," said the 22-year-old.

"I’ve had my first pole position, my first race win in 2018 here with F3, which then became a streak of multiple race wins.

"So definitely, yes, it’s a track I enjoy a lot and I enjoy a lot coming back close to home. A lot of fans come here to support me for numerous years now so yes, it’s a great place."

To mark the 30th anniversary of his father's first race in Formula 1, Schumacher will sport a special helmet livery at Spa that replicate the design of the seven-time world champion's lid at the start of his career.