Schumacher 'sad' about Rossi's decision

"In a way we are sad not to see him here. On the other side, it's understandable," the German told reporters at the Monaco Grand Prix.

"Probably he thinks he knows what he has in his world and it may be a little bit more difficult to know the world of Formula One and how he may adapt to all the different circumstances, although I think he has a very high talent and could have done it in terms of driving.

"But then it's not only the driving, there's a lot of other things besides," said Schumacher.

The Italian's decision not to try and follow in the footsteps of Briton John Surtees, the motorcycle world champion who won the Formula One crown with Ferrari in 1964, ended a long guessing game about his future.

Ferrari are waiting to hear whether seven times world champion Schumacher, now 37, wants to continue in 2007 and have been linked to McLaren's Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen.

With Rossi out of the picture, Ferrari's 2007 line-up is likely to be Raikkonen - if the rumours are true - with either Schumacher or his teammate Felipe Massa.

The Brazilian, whose contract with Ferrari ends this season, said he was never pressured by Rossi's decision.

"Valentino has made his choice. He undoubtedly did a good job, but from there to becoming a racing driver - and especially a Ferrari one - there was still a big gap to close," said Massa.

"In any case he's never been a ghost for me. Many said he would have taken my place, but I didn't think he would."