Schumacher announces retirement in best possible way (Roundup)

By Claas Hennig Sep 10, 2006, 15:59 GMT

German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Scuderia Ferrari team gestures at the press conference after he won the Grand Prix of Italy at the race track in Monza, Italy, Sunday 10 September 2006. EPA/Gero Breloer

Monza, Italy - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher confirmed Sunday that he is to retire from Formula One at the end of the season after 16 years at the top.

Ferrari driver Schumacher made the announcement following his victory at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, his 90th grand prix win of an unrivalled career.

The result moved him within two points of Renault's Fernando Alonso in the championship standings after the Spaniard failed to finish due to engine trouble.

'To make it short, this is the last Monza race. I've decided with the rest of the team that I am going to retire,' said the 37-year-old after his win.

'It's been a very special day and [was great] to finish it in this style.'

Schumacher made the emotional announcement after being given a hero's welcome from the Ferrari tifosi following a stunning win that blew the championship race wide open and moved the Italian marque three points clear of Renault in the constructors' standings.

'I've really loved every single moment that motorsport has given me,' he said.

The German added that his decision to retire wouldn't affect his desire to win a record-breaking eighth drivers' title.

'I'm always focussed on one thing when I'm in the car. It's the championship,' he said. 'We are two points behind with three races remaining.'

Schumacher held off his Ferrari successor Kimi Raikkonen in a McLaren-Mercedes to register his sixth win of the season and 90th overall from 247 grand prix races.

'I was delighted when I heard that he would be the one to succeed me,' said the German of Raikkonen, who has received a contract with Ferrari until 2009 and will race alongside Felipe Massa next season.

Brazilian Massa won his first GP in Turkey two weeks ago and has been rewarded with a contract extension until 2008.

But first Ferrari and Schumacher have the small matter of trying to clinch the drivers' and constructors' championship for Ferrari by outgunning Renault in the last three F1 races in China, Japan and Brazil.