Weber: Schumacher Will Fulfill Ferrari Contract

World Champion Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Weber has refuted claims that the German driver does not plan to fulfil his contract with Ferrari until the end of 2006.

Schumacher signed an agreement before the Canadian Grand Prix last month to remain with Ferrari for the next four years but team chief Jean Todt immediately admitted his star could quit whenever he wants.

Some observers have suggested Schumacher would call it a day if he secures a record sixth world title this season but Weber said: "You don't make a contract until 2006 if you don't want to drive. There's no sense to keep a driver in your team if he doesn't want to drive anymore.

"You can't put a pistol to them to make them drive so it's bullshit to think we make a contract in 2006 and we will not drive."

Schumacher enjoyed a dominant season with Ferrari last year and won his fifth world title at the 11th race of the season in Magny-Cours, where the French Grand Prix will be held this weekend.

He won 11 of the 17 races and committed his Formula One future to Ferrari until the end of 2006. He is now seven points ahead of second-placed McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen. He is expecting a tough fight for the title this year and, if the trend continues, he could struggle to hold onto his crown.

But Weber insists he will fight back and added: "Why shouldn't he?"