Schumacher enjoying life outside Formula One as season set to start

Mar 12, 2007, 16:22 GMT

Melbourne - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher is not missing Formula One after retiring last year and has no plans to be in Melbourne for the 2007 season opener.

Although the 38-year-old German is now acting as an adviser for the Ferrari team, he will not be attending the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, his spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said.

'He will certainly be watching on television, keeping his fingers crossed for Ferrari with the telephone within reach,' she said.

Kehm said Schumacher, as special adviser to Ferrari, was sharing his knowledge and judgement to help the team's development in Formula One and elsewhere, and was being kept fully informed.

'A lot takes place via telephone, but also by email, internet, video conference. In this way Michael is being kept up to date on all developments,' she said.

'Of course, every now and again he will be on the scene to get a picture of the current situation and as the ideal footing for his ideas, suggestions and assessment.'

Since announcing his retirement last October, Schumacher had deliberately kept out of the public eye to enjoy the time with his family and friends, Kehm said.

Asked if he was missing motor-racing, Kehm replied: 'At the moment definitely not. He seems extremely fresh, fit, rested and balanced. He has the appearance of a man who is happy and clear with himself.'

Schumacher was at Ferrari's final pre-season meeting at Maranello, Italy on Friday when he gave an upbeat assessment of the team's chances this season.

'I have the feeling that we are very well prepared for the first race and that we should do well,' said Schumacher.

'I cannot wait for the championship to begin as I think it will be very close and exciting.'

Ferrari's chief executive Jean Todt acknowledged that Melbourne would mark a new chapter for the team.

'After 11 years, Michael Schumacher will not be behind the wheel. Now it is the turn of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen to fly the flag,' he said.