Schumacher Still Hungry for More Success

World Champion Michael Schumacher says his motivation is still very high as he sets his sights on clinching his eighth world title in 2005.

"I'm starting off the new season just like all the others before: with a hunger, fully motivated and looking forward to the fights that lay ahead," Schumacher said on his website. "Like I said, I have fun, I love my sport and I love being challenged.

"The things I've achieved so far have nothing to do with it. That doesn't count in sports anyway. In sports, you can't rest on your past victories, you have to take on the challenge again and again. It's always all about the next race."

The Ferrari driver, the only Formula One World Champion of the 21st century, will be the oldest driver of the grid next season after he turns 36 on January 3. Schumacher, who had a contract with Ferrari until the end of 2006, says however age will not be a problem.

"All in all I feel very, very fit and to be perfectly honest: much younger than almost 36," he said. "I play soccer with my colleagues quite often, with people like Fernando Alonso, who is ten years younger than I am, and I don't see much of a difference.

"No, I am not getting worn out, and especially not psychologically. I still enjoy what I do immensely."