Schumacher announces retirement from F1 http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/10092006/2/photo/schumacher-announces-retirement-f1.html MONZA, Italy (Reuters) - Michael Schumacher, the most successful Formula One driver of all time, said on Sunday that he was retiring from the sport at the end of the season. Ferrari announced the German's decision just minutes after Schumacher won the Italian Grand Prix. "It has been a really tough decision not to work together at this level but I knew that one day it had to come," Schumacher told a post-race news conference. "All these years in Formula 1 have been amazing, especially those spent alongside my friends in the Scuderia (Ferrari)," he said. "Soon my future will belong to my family, while I am happy to be still part of Ferrari. But for now, what matters is this world championship," said the German. Schumacher is second in the championship, just two points behind Renault's Fernando Alonso. Finland's Kimi Raikkonen and Brazilian Felipe Massa will race for Ferrari next season, the team said. It was not clear what future position Schumacher might take with Ferrari but the team said they would define his role at the end of the year. "Now I just want to concentrate on the last three wins and finish the season in style, hopefully with the championship. We took a big step today," said Schumacher. Thousands of Ferrari fans, who had appealed through banners and chants for the German to stay on with the team, poured on to the track at the end of the race, paying an emotional tribute. "I had always said that the decision to retire would be his alone, but now that decision has been taken I feel a sense of sadness," said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo. Ferrari team boss Jean Todt added: "Michael has been the author of a unique chapter in the history of Formula One and of Ferrari in particular. "It has yet to reach its conclusion and what he has achieved extends over and above the results obtained. He is an exceptional man and will become a legend as a driver," he said. The German has won an unprecedented seven titles in a career that has seen him set a long list of records, including most wins, pole positions, podium finishes, fastest laps and wins in a season. Raikkonen, currently with McLaren, has agreed a three-year deal while Massa's contract was extended to the end of 2008. Schumacher said he was happy with the signing of Raikkonen. "I was really pleased to hear that he would be the person," said the German. After winning today's Italian G, Schumacher is 2 points behind Alonso in the Drivers standing......... GOOD LUCK!!!!
I can't imagine Raikonnen in a Ferrari, and the sport loses it's controversial Jordan. Every race I've ever watched has had serious talk or some mention of Schumacher, even when he was injured.
There is a lot of talk that he was forced out by Ferrari. I wouldn't be surprised to see him with a different team in 2008.
Pure fantasy, but I want to see Schumacher hook up with a NASCAR team and become a real life version of Talladega Nights' Jean Girard.
No way he ever goes to NASCAR. However, Juan Pablo is a definite for next year and it looks like Jacques Villeneuve are heading to NASCAR, so it will definately be interesting to see how they adapt.
Schumacher- without a doubt the greatest racer that ever lived. Never been a big fan of Ferrari myself, but gotta give credit where its due. I was more of a Villenueve fan.
Don't know much about NASCAR but from what I've heard, it sounds like a perfect fit for Montoya's on-the-edge driving style. I really hope he does well over there - guess he finally got sick of the team politics in F1. Dude is just old-school.. and he's the best damn overtaker I've ever seen
I know, that's the funniest part of it. That's what cracks me up. I like riding around in my more Red, White and Blue car, than the imported Chevys and Fords.
"Passing Jimmy Johnson into the first place is Jeff Gordon in his #24 Luis Vuitton Toyota!" Think that'll get a reaction from fans at Talladega or Watkins Glen?
