Michael Schumacher's retirement as a Formula One driver was a big blow for Germany. But, even without the seven time world champion on his local Nurburgring grid this weekend, the 2007 European Grand Prix is expecting a bigger than usual crowd.

The historic circuit's managing director Walter Kafitz explained that ticket sales have been 12 per cent better than at the same time last year; simply because there is now only one annual race in Germany.

From this year, the Nurburgring and Hockenheim will annually alternate hosting the single event.

"On one hand we simply wanted to keep Formula One with us, and on the other get the losses under control," Kafitz explained.

Ferrari advisor Schumacher will, meanwhile, attend the race this weekend, where we he will inaugurate the newly-renamed 'Schumacher-S' corner.

One of the 38-year-old's contemporaries, Renault racer Giancarlo Fisichella, said racing in Germany without Schumacher on the track will be a strange feeling.

The Italian added: "But there are a lot of racing fans there and the Nurburgring is an historic venue. We need to make sure we put on a good show for everybody."