Calling on Ferrari to raise its gameDeposed Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will decide midway through the 2006 season whether or not to continue racing. Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 and his current contract expires at the end of this year.
In comments to Der Spiegel to appear Monday, the seven-time former World Champion said that his Ferrari team must also provide a more competitive car.
"If I have no chance of winning a race and challenging for the title, I don`t think I`ll want to carry on my career," said the 37-year-old, who was outclassed by Renault`s Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren Mercedes last season.
"If you want to make progress, we need more staff. You can`t stand still in Formula One," Schumacher continued. "I want to know in what direction Ferrari wants to go..."
Schumacher and Ferrari won just one race in 2005 and even that was a hollow victory as just three Bridgestone-shod teams took part in the US Grand Prix. With rule changes concerning tyre changes and a big push from Ferrari and its technical partners, the message is clear that Schumacher, with nothing left to prove, must have a competitive package in 2006 or he will indeed call it a day.
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