Formula One champ hardly noticed in U.S.

INDIANAPOLIS -- When Michael Schumacher comes to America each year, he doesn't have to hide.

The Formula One great can actually stroll down the street. He is forced to stand in lines and is spared the throngs of fans that usually crowd him.

Schumacher was asked why he seems more relaxed in the United States.

"Maybe it is because I am," he said.

Finding anonymity anywhere on the planet is tough for Schumacher these days.

His 77 race wins are an F1 record. He broke another series record last year when he won his sixth world title and is chasing another milestone this year -- his fifth straight driver's championship. By winning the 2003 points title, Schumacher tied the mark set by Argentina's Juan Manuel Fangio from 1954-57.

This season, Schumacher has been almost unbeatable. The 35-year-old German enters today's U.S Grand Prix with five poles and seven victories in the season's first eight races. He has 70 points, with Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello next at 54.

"His life is perfect, isn't it?" said Ralf Schumacher, Michael's younger brother, who drives for the BMW Williams. "I think for him it is simply great."

Michael Schumacher likes the quiet life. He speaks softly and moved his family to a small Swiss village partly because of the solace. America gives him another hideout. Schumacher is so unrecognizable on this side of the Atlantic that in 2002, he stood in line at Texas Motor Speedway to participate in the Richard Petty NASCAR Racing Experience.

After a long wait, Schumacher left without even getting in the car or going to the front of the line in true celebrity fashion.

"I found it very nice," Schumacher said with a smile.

On Saturday, Barrichello outdueled Schumacher by 0.177 seconds in qualifying and won the pole for today's race. It's Barrichello's first pole win since October in Japan.