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Schumacher set to retire, says report
END OF THE ROAD:
A German newspaper said the Grand Prix ace will announce the end of his career after this week's race in Italy and his manager didn't deny it
AGENCIES, BERLIN AND ENSTONE, ENGLAND
Thursday, Sep 07, 2006, Page 20
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher will announce at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix that he is retiring at the end of the season, Germany's top-selling Bild newspaper reported yesterday.
The 37-year-old Schumacher will announce that he will complete the season by racing in Shanghai, Suzuka and Sao Paulo before hanging up his helmet and overalls.
Bild said the most dominant Formula One driver of the past decade would not comment on his future before the race at Monza.
`Nothing to say'
His manager Willi Weber said: "Until then we have nothing to say."
Schumacher hinted at an imminent announcement when he said during a Ferrari function in Germany that "we've fixed everything for Monza."
"All I can do is ask everyone to understand that I don't want to touch on that subject until next Sunday," he added.
Schumacher's contract with Ferrari ends this season, but it has indicated it is prepared to offer him a new one if he wants to continue driving.
The German trails reigning world champion Fernando Alonso by 12 points heading into the Italian Grand Prix and Renault are two points ahead of Ferrari in the team standings.
Meanwhile, Finland's Heikki Kovalainen will drive for Renault's Formula One team next season, while managing director Flavio Briatore will stay with the team for another two years.
Renault said yesterday that the 24-year-old Kovalainen, who has been a test driver for three years, would race alongside Giancarlo Fisichella next season.
Replace alonso
The Finn will replace reigning champion Fernando Alonso, who is moving to McLaren next season.
Brazilians Ricardo Zonta and Nelson Piquet Jr, son of former three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet, will be Renault's test drivers.
Kovalainen was second in last year's GP2 series before concentrating on testing this year.
"My two seasons testing for the team, as well as my time in GP2, have allowed me to build my technical knowledge and to understand what it takes to win in Formula One," he said. "I think next year is a new start for me. There will be high expectations straight away, but I will not look at it as extra pressure."
Fisichella, 33, has been with Renault since last year.
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