Schumacher: I'm Not a Legend

Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher has said that he does not see himself as one of the sport's greats despite his record as its most successful driver in recent history.

"I am not a legend, just someone who is lucky enough to do well at something that he really enjoys," the German driver told Spanish sports daily As in an interview published on Friday.

"I earn more than enough money to live well with my family, but other than that I am just a perfectly normal person."

The 33-year-old four time World Champion insisted that he did not place himself in the same category as the legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five titles in the 1950s.

"What Fangio did was truly impressive because racing was a lot more dangerous in those days."

The German driver, who had to abandon testing in Spain this week after he and his teammate Rubens Barrichello crashed at the Circuit de Catalunya, insisted that despite the reminder of the danger his hunger for the sport remains undiminished.

"I keep driving because I am still really motivated. I drive to win and not for the statistics. When I get into the car I don't think about my children, but only about doing the very best I can."

The German dismissed recent suggestions that the role of the driver had been undermined in modern Formula One racing.

"I don't agree with those people who say that driving a Formula One car these days is too easy," he said.

"For me today's cars are great fun to drive and with the present electronic aids allowing you to take the corners more quickly and with the new developments in tyres I am enjoying myself more than ever."

The Ferrari driver said that he did not expect to have it all his own way as he looks to defend his title -- and equal Fangio's record -- in the forthcoming season which gets underway in Australia on March 3.

"There is now very little difference between the drivers on the grid and all of them are more professional than before. The sport is more exciting than ever and I am looking forward to facing up to the new generation of younger drivers."

Schumacher said that thoughts of retirement had not entered his head, but that it was likely that he would see his career out with his present team.

"All I know is that racing is my life and that I will finish driving here at Ferrari...but not for many years yet."