Rossi laments Schumacher's exit

The Italian, who considered a future at Ferrari after testing for the team earlier this year, expressed some surprise at Schumacher's decision - which he watched live on television following his own race in Malaysia last weekend.

"I had heard Schumacher might quit, but I expected him to carry on for one more year," Rossi was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. "I learned of his decision as it happened because I saw the Monza race in the Kuala Lumpur hotel.

"I was sorry to hear that, I didn't expect it. Michael has made his choice and I think it will be a big loss for F1 and for the sporting world in general. But if he manages to win the title it would be top stuff for him."

Rossi believes that the scenario of having Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari was almost certainly a factor in Schumacher's decision.

"He must surely have thought of that," said Rossi. "He would have been teamed with Raikkonen at his best speed-wise, while Michael would have been a bit old as far as motivation and age are concerned."