Schumacher to Keep on Racing 'for Many Years'

Five-time World Champion Michael Schumacher says he will only stop racing in Formula One when he is not capable of matching the pace of the younger drivers.

"I will remain in Formula One for many years," Schumacher said in an interview with the Stuttgarter-Zeitung. "If there comes a time when I can't keep up with younger drivers then I will probably think it is time to stop. But that is still far away.

"As long as there's stability guaranteed at Ferrari and as long as I'm motivated, I will keep on racing. I've won the title for the last three years and I'm still at the top. I'm the man to beat, and I prefer that to not having been on top at all."

34-year old Schumacher, in his 13th season in Formula One, said earlier this year that he plans to make a decision on his future later in 2003. He has a contract with the Ferrari team until the end of the 2004 season, although his manager Willi Weber said in March the German had been offered a new deal with the World Champions.

Schumacher has been driving for Ferrari since the start of the 1996 season.