Schumacher bags U.S. Grand Prix at the eve of Fourth of July

Michael Schumacher wins the 2006 U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis.

A year ago, he was dour after winning the U.S. Grand Prix. On Sunday, after capturing the race for the fifth time, and becoming the first driver in any series to win five races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he cut loose.

The 37-year-old driver tossed his Brazilian teammate in the air, sprayed champagne and took a leap after stepping onto the victory podium. Then he waved his arms like a maestro as the crowd sang along with the German anthem.

''I've had very good times here,'' he said. ''I feel very excited right now and on the podium I showed a lot of emotions. There are a lot of reasons that come into it, and it's something special.''

In 2005, Schumacher accepted his accolades quietly, not even cracking a smile. After 14 of 22 cars were withdrawn moments before the race because of a safety issue, he was in no mood to party after what he considered an embarrassing performance by Formula One.

After the race last Sunday, Michael Schumacher proved he really is the king of Indianapolis.

The seven-time Formula One champion won for the fourth straight time on the 2.6-mile, 13-turn road course at the famed Brickyard. The only other drivers to win as many as four at Indy are A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears, all in the Indianapolis 500, and NASCAR's Jeff Gordon in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

Schumacher, pumping a fist, was followed 7.9 seconds later by Felipe Massa for a 1-2 Ferrari finish.

Formula One champ Fernando Alonso, who had won six of the first nine races and four in a row entering Sunday, was never in contention and wound up fifth. Giancarlo Fisichella, Alonso's Renault teammate, finished third, followed by Toyota's Jarno Trulli.

Formula One returns to Europe for the 2006 French Grand Prix. Can Michael Schumacher win in France? Will Fernando Alonso return to the top at the French Grand Prix? SIA has all the odds you'll need. Bet on Sports Interaction today.