Michael Schumacher has finally ruled out the possibility of switching to a different Formula One team at the end of 2006. Therefore simplifying speculation about his future, the German revealed at Magny Cours that - when the time finally comes at Monza later this year - he will either announce his retirement or a renewed Ferrari contract.

”There is nothing new,” Schumacher said in France, before adding: ”If I continue, it is with Ferrari.” Albeit improbably, Schumacher had been linked with potentially sensational switches to rival teams such as Renault.

So although now openly musing about whether to go or stay at his Maranello team, Schumacher denied that the real factor under consideration is whether or not he is prepared to occupy a red car alongside Kimi Raikkonen. He insisted: ”I have never made a decision based on who my teammate is, and nothing has changed.”

[GMM]

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