Schuey could race on after new contract expires

The world champion arrived in Monaco today (Wednesday) and denied reports in the Italian newspapers he would retire when his new deal expires in three years' time.

"This is my life - I need racing," he said, a day after Ferrari announced he had re-signed for a further two seasons. "That's why I am saying I am not sure I will be finished after 2004. Let's wait and see.

"I was not intending to sign a new contract so early, but there was such a harmonious set of circumstances," he explained. "The team made me an offer and I took the opportunity and now everything is fixed. I am very happy about it. But this does not mean it will be the end of my career. There will be no problem with motivation for the entire two years."

Schumacher has won the Monaco race four times, one less than Graham Hill and two fewer than event record holder Ayrton Senna. He says his new agreement with the Prancing Horse won't make him any quicker around the streets of the Principality this weekend, however.

"It is good to sign a contract, but this kind of thing does not give you a boost on the track," added Schumacher. "That is not being negative, but it does not make you go faster as I have always been on the limit."