German media cheer Schumacher's rainy triumph

BERLIN, Oct 2 (Reuters) Michael Schumacher's rain-defying victory in Shanghai on Sunday left German newspapers struggling to find enough superlatives after the seven-times champion moved to the top of the standings for the first time in two years.

''His victory in China was one of the most brilliant things that Schumi ever pulled off,'' today's Bild newspaper said of the 37-year-old, who is retiring after the final two races of this season.

''For the first time in 575 days, Schumi blasts back on top of the championship just weeks before the end of his career.'' The country's best-selling daily, who had all but written off Schumacher hopes when he trailed Spain's Fernando Alonso by 25 points in July, invented a new compound German term for the German's heroics.

''Schumisupermega-turbogeilgoettlichgigagalaktisch!'' (Schumi super mega turbo cool divine giga galactic) the paper wrote in a headline.

''He showed the world who's the best, cuts Alonso to shreds and shuts (Renault boss) Flavio Briatore's trap.'' Bild added: ''His 91st victory in his 248th grand prix was simply one of his best races ever. A lot of fans are now asking: Why the heck is he going to retire now?'' UNEXPECTED TRIUMPH Schumacher and Alonso left Shanghai on 116 points, but the German leads due to his seven race wins compared to the Spaniard's six.

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily also struggled to contain its enthusiasm over Schumacher's unexpected triumph on the rain-soaked Shanghai circuit, where Alonso started on pole and was expected to win with his superior Michelin tyres.

''Schumacher never looked better than he did in China,'' wrote the Munich-based paper.

''Without a doubt, this 91st career victory was a very special one for Schumacher. Derring-do, cleverness, ability, flawlessness -- he once again showed his entire repertoire.'' Der Tagesspiegel said the victory was probably the sweetest in Schumacher's career because the wet conditions had appeared to leave his Ferrari and Bridgestone tyres at a disadvantage.

''Schumacher not only had one of his strongest races in a long, long time with this victory, he also took over the championship lead and now has every chance to win an eighth title,'' the Berlin newspaper wrote.

''After the race he was smiling and laughing in a way that few have ever seen before,'' it added in a report under a headline ''Happy Hour in the Far East''.

''This victory was different from the others.'' REUTERS PDS RAI1454