Ralf Schumacher shows Michael the way

Ralf Schumacher reminded brother Michael on Saturday that he stands between the world champion and a record-equalling 51st Formula One victory.

The Ferrari driver's younger sibling led a Williams one- two in the German Grand Prix's final free practice before the main business of qualifying on what promises to be a sweltering afternoon at Hockenheim.

Ralf's time of one minute 39.188 seconds in the BMW-powered car was 0.749 quicker than triple champion Michael's fastest effort. Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya was second fastest in 1:39.469.

Ralf has won twice this season and is aiming for a third triumph on home territory after failing to beat his brother at the Nuerburgring last month.

Michael, the championship leader who will be aiming for his ninth pole in 12 races, had earlier delighted the multitude of cheering fans with his fastest time in the opening session of 1:39.937.

He did not improve on his time, though, in the second practice.

The Ferrari driver is 37 points clear of McLaren's David Coulthard and can equal Alain Prost's Formula One record of 51 wins if he takes his seventh title of the season in Sunday's race.

McLaren's two times champion Mika Hakkinen, winner of the last race in Britain but out of the title chase, was fourth fastest on Saturday ahead of German Nick Heidfeld in a Sauber.

Hakkinen appeared to have problems for much of the session, twice being pushed back down the pit lane by McLaren mechanics.

Both McLarens had run-offs into the gravel, Hakkinen in the first session and Coulthard coming to a halt in the second near the tyre wall.

Schumacher's Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello, who took his first and only victory to date here last year, was sixth on the timesheets.

Jaguar's Eddie Irvine, fastest on Friday, dropped to seventh quickest with a time of 1:40.433.

Briton Jenson Button, fined $3,000 for speeding in the pit lane on Friday, was bottom of the timesheets after his Benetton came to a halt at the start of the session.

The 21-year-old failed to complete a lap in the first 45 minute practice but recovered to clock a faster time than his Italian team mate Giancarlo Fisichella.