Motorsport
Schumacher won't decide over future until after season
By DPA
May 11, 2006, 16:13 GMT

Barcelona - German Formula One star Michael Schumacher has delayed the decision about his future until the end of the year after the 2006 season.

'You can't have enough time for such an important decision,' Schumacher told a news conference at the Spanish Grand Prix on Thursday.

The seven-time world champion Schumacher said his Ferrari team allowed him to postpone his decision from the originally planned summer date until after the season which ends in October.

Schumacher, 37, has a contract with Ferrari until the end of the season. There has been plenty of speculation about his future in the sport for the past weeks.

Schumacher has only said he will stay at Ferrari if he decides to drive on.

The Formula One world is split in its verdict, with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone summing up the feeling of many in the sport.

'Personally, I like to see a champion retire at the top of his career. But, given Schumacher's enthusiasm, I wouldn't be surprised if he continues,' said Ecclestone.

Schumacher has won the last two races and seems fully competitive to challenge world champion Fernando Alonso, who currently leads the standings by 13 points after five of 18 races.

The German Schumacher is the most successful F1 driver in history with seven world titles, 86 race wins, 66 pole positions and many other records in the sport.