Michael Schumacher hopes he can give his fans something special to celebrate in next weekend’s German Grand Prix in what may be his final appearance as an F1 racer on home soil.

The 43-year-old seven times champion believes he and his Mercedes team have this season demonstrated the potential to challenge at the front and he hinted this week that he hopes to deliver a podium finish.

A good result might also help both Schumacher and Mercedes sort out a contract extension to ensure he remains with the team beyond the expiry of his current deal at the end of this year.

Team boss Ross Brawn this week said he wanted to finalise Schumacher’s future and hoped to have it sorted by the end of F1’s summer break in August.

Schumacher, who has made no definite comments about his future plans, was clear that whatever he decides to do, he still feels he has plenty to offer both the team and a packed Hockenheim next weekend.

“This year is the first time that our Mercedes works team has been capable of racing right at the front and, because of that, we’re hoping for lots of support from the fans and to reward them with our performance,” said Schumacher.

“Hopefully we will see a lot of Mercedes colleagues in the grandstands and we want to do particularly well for them. We have set ourselves the clear target of giving everybody a reason to celebrate next weekend.”

Schumacher’s optimism is built on his resurgent recent form that includes a third place at the European Grand Prix at Valencia and a grid spot of third last weekend for the British Grand Prix.

Brawn said he is not looking at his options for a replacement for Schumacher yet because he wants to deal with the German’s situation first.

It remains possible that Schumacher may decide to retire – for the second time – as he will be 44 next January.

Brawn denied that Mark Webber’s decision this week to stay at Red Bull had any affect on his thinking for 2013 and beyond.

Many observers believe that Webber’s decision had left Brawn and Mercedes in a strong position to approach Lewis Hamilton who is out of contract with McLaren after this year.

“We are focused on Michael for as long as it takes – and for whatever it takes,” explained Brawn.

“Then we will see where we are elsewhere.”

He added that Schumacher’s evident good form and clear enjoyment of his racing this year suggested he would be ready to consider another season.

“We haven’t discussed it, but he enjoys himself and, if he enjoys himself, why not?” said Brawn.