Todt: Schumacher right to retire

Schumacher announced last month at the Italian Grand Prix that he would quit racing after this season, ending the most successful Formula One career in the history of the sport.

"In my opinion, he made the right choice," Todt said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport's weekly magazine Sport Week. "He'll end up with a least seven titles; [but] seven, eight or nine titles wouldn't change his life.

"He'll finish at the top and especially he'll finish - touch wood - safe, in perfect health, and able to do what he wants with his life, a privilege not everyone has."

The Frenchman, who joined Ferrari some three years prior to the German, revealed just how close their relationship has been for the 11 years they worked together.

"In 1996, after two or three consecutive races with reliability problems, the press was asking for my head on a plate," Todt recalled. "And I remember Michael saying at a test session in Monza: 'if Todt goes, I'm going too.'

"I didn't expect it; at the time, he hadn't personally shown his esteem for me yet. When I heard his words, it was a great surprise.

"In 11 years, we've never had a row. There have been times when he thought one way while I did another, but we'd talk and we'd find an agreement. Never fighting."

Todt insisted it was Schumacher's sole decision to retire, rebuffing speculations that the German was forced out of Ferrari after the Italian squad signed Kimi Raikkonen.

And the sporting director said Schumacher was notified of every contact made with the Finn right from the start.

"Michael decided on his own; it was his choice," Todt stated. "He's always known about Kimi. He knew of the first contacts, he knew of the day of the contract signing... Michael has always known everything."

As to what Schumacher could do in the future, Todt said it all remains down to the German's wishes - but he has no doubts he will continue helping Ferrari.

"He will remain a very important support for the team, and even if he wants to regain his freedom and doesn't come here three days a week, he'll always care about the future of Ferrari," Todt said.

"If he comes to Grands Prix, he won't have obligations. And if he'll come, it won't be to comment on the races, like some of his ex-colleagues do. It will be to make himself useful with his experience."

Finally, asked what if Schumacher wants to get in the car, Todt replied: "He'll only need to ask."