Michael Schumacher resolutely refused to be drawn on the subject of his future plans at Monza on Thursday.
The seven-time world champion has been agonising for many months over whether to retire at the end of this season and is expected to finally reveal his decision on Sunday.
But at his regular Thursday press briefing outside the Ferrari motorhome, Schumacher gave no hint of his plans ahead of the official announcement.
“Just before we start, because obviously a lot has been written and said recently in the press, but it is obvious and clear that we have communicated for many months,” he began.
“We will make a statement at some stage in Monza and this statement will be on Sunday.
“That means, if you will please understand, there is no point to ask any questions or get into it, because it will be made clear to you then and unfortunately not before.
“So thank you for your understanding.”
Schumacher’s preamble did not prevent several reporters broaching the subject obliquely – but the German remained tight-lipped.
Asked whether the whole saga has put extra weight on his shoulders, he said: “We don’t do anything that causes extra disturbance.
“Everything has been done in a way to quieten the situation because the main focus for us is to race and drive and nothing else.”
He batted away a question about whether he would have preferred to have waited until the end of the season before making a decision – “next question!” – but denied it had become a major distraction to his title challenge.
“Honestly the way we choose things is the way we think is the best,” he said.
“It is probably more a distraction for you guys than it is for me.”
Meanwhile Schumacher's manager Willi Weber has told the German news agency
Deutsche Presse Agentur that Michael finally made his mind up last week.
Naturally Weber would not divulge what the decision was but said it had been "difficult".
If you want to give your thoughts on Schumacher's dilemma, why don't you visit www.michael-please-stay-in-f1.com.
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Source = ITV-F1