with Schumacher quotes

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Thursday September 7, 2006

Monza, Italy- Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher has made a "difficult" decision on his future, his manager Willi Weber told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa Thursday. "The decision has been made," Weber said.

Reports in Germany say Schumacher will announce his end-of-season retirement after Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

However Schumacher blocked questions on his future at the start of a news conference in Monza Thursday.

"Please understand that I do not wish to comment. It makes no sense to talk about this beforehand," Schumacher said, adding that he had "no plan" should he end his career.

The 37-year-old Ferrari driver is set to make an announcement after the race in Monza.

"It was a difficult decision," Weber said without elaborating.

Schumacher only made up his mind about a week ago. "That's not such a long time ago," the manager added.

Ferrari had already announced it would be making a statement after the race on its drivers for the 2007 season.

It is thought Finland's Kimi Raikkonen will be joining the Italian team from McLaren-Mercedes to partner the Brazilian Felipe Massa.

Weber ruled out Schumacher moving to another team.

The German drivers Nico Rosberg and Nick Heidfeld meanwhile said Schumacher would be missed should he retire.

"It would be a great shame if he were to leave. He is important for Formula One and super for sport," said Williams driver Rosberg.

"Even for a young driver like me it is always nice to race against a seven-time world champion. I hope he continues, but I believe he will quit."

Heidfeld of BMW-Sauber said if Schumacher were to retire "some of the interest in Formula One would go, especially in Germany."

Former world champion Niki Lauda said he could not rule out Schumacher taking some time out from Formula One, but returning at a later date.

"I also took some time out and after two years was again world champion," he told Frankurter Rundschau in an interview Thursday.

The speculation over Schumacher's future is expected to dominate off the track at Monza.

Going into the race, the 15th of 18 this season, Schumacher lies 12 points behind title-holder Fernando Alonso of Spain in a Renault. In the constructors' championship, Ferrari are two points behind Renault.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur