Schumacher targets 'crucial' Monza win

The Ferrari driver is 12 points adrift of his Renault rival with four races remaining after Alonso managed to stop Schumacher's run in Turkey.

The German had reduced a 25-point gap to just 10 before the Istanbul race, where Alonso finished second ahead of Schumacher.

"Obviously I look very much forward to this Grand Prix as it is kind of a crucial Grand Prix for us, as all the last four are in terms of the championship," Schumacher told reporters at Monza.

"We had a very good test, we had three good days, but knowing all those days we saw that the competition is very fight.

"It will be down to the factor of who gets their car sorted out for the conditions. If we can do that, then we have a great opportunity and a great chance. If we cannot, then we might not have that chance. It is going to be tight, but we are looking forward to it."

The seven-time world champion still believes the battle for the title will not be decided before the end of the season.

"I think it will take until the last race, absolutely," Schumacher added. "For sure, both sides will improve but it depends on the quicker rate. Everybody can calculate themselves what we need and what we don't need."

All eyes will be on Schumacher this weekend, with the 37-year-old set to announce his future at some point on Sunday.

The German driver refused to answer questions about his decision, making it clear that only Sunday's statement will reveal if he retires or not.

"We will make a statement at some stage in Monza and this statement will be Sunday," Schumacher said at the start of his conference.

"That means that if you will please understand, there is no point to ask any questions or get into it, because it will be made clear then and unfortunately not before for you. So thank you for your understanding."