Montoya says Schumacher should retire

Schumacher, the oldest driver on the grid at 37, is yet to announced his plans for the future, with his Ferrari contract due to end at the end of the year.

Although the German driver struggled in 2005, he has bounced back strongly this season, scoring two consecutive victories in Imola and Nurburgring.

McLaren driver Montoya believes the Ferrari driver should retire now he's at the top.

"In my opinion these successes should push him to retire," Montoya told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He must quit at the top. He would be crazy if he carries on after another title."

Former world champion Niki Lauda, however, believes Schumacher has no reason to quit while he keeps on winning.

"It's clear that Schumacher is having an exceptional period, where the thoughts of  quitting are pushed away by the results," said Lauda. "Inside Ferrari he has the situation under control, his teammate doesn't bother him, the car is competitive; what reasons should he have to think of quitting?

"It's not the kind of situation where you reach certain decisions. Victory erases bad thoughts. In fact, it anesthetizes them in case they're dormant."

Another world champion, Keke Rosberg, echoed Lauda's thoughts, saying Schumacher has not intention to retire.

"I don't think he wants to do other things. Especially now that he's winning again and hopes for the championship."

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes Schumacher should be left alone to take his time to decide what to do.

"I think we should leave him in peace with his thoughts by avoiding asking him what he will do in 2007," said Ecclestone. "I think a champion should quit when at the peak of his career, maybe after having won his eighth title.

"I'm saddened by the champions who quit when they can't take it anymore, but Schumacher looks more than ever combative and enthusiastic for what he does, so I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps on going."