Alfie

Michael Schumacher will retire from race driving at the end of the 2006 World Championship.

Whatever the final result of this year's championship, Michael leaves Formula One holding almost all the records. To date, he has taken seven drivers' world titles and has contributed to the same number of team wins in the constructors' championship.

He has taken part in 247 Formula One Grands Prix (178 of them at the wheel of a Ferrari,) won 90 (71,) been on pole 68 (58) times, setting 75 (52) fastest race laps. He has amassed a total of 1354 points, 1051 of them in a Maranello car. No one in the world of motor racing has done better.

Following his decision, the only record that will elude him is the one for the number of race starts. He will be able to reach the 250 mark, just six short of the record held by Riccardo Patrese.

Schumacher has been with Scuderia Ferrari for eleven seasons, a demonstration of loyalty without equal in Formula One, to date securing five of his Drivers' titles here and contributing to six of the team's Constructors' titles. No other driver has ever won as much with the Scuderia.

"I had always said that the decision to retire would be his alone, but now that decision has been taken, I feel a sense of sadness," commented Ferrari President and CEO, Luca di Montezemolo. "We have lived through some unforgettable times together, some good some bad, achieving results that will be hard to equal.

"To Michael goes the thanks of everyone in the company and supporters of Ferrari for all the dedication he has shown to our colours, for the determination and courage with which he has worked, which has provided immense satisfaction. He is both sincere and passionate and has earned the affection of all of us and of our fans.

"His relationship with Maranello will continue, albeit in a different form and I am very happy about that."

"Michael has been the author of a unique chapter in the history of Formula One and of Ferrari in particular. It has yet to reach its conclusion and what he has achieved extends over and above the results obtained," added Managing Director, Jean Todt.

"He is an exceptional man and will become a legend as a driver. For me personally, he is a great friend and together we have lived through unrepeatable experiences. Having had the opportunity to work alongside him has been and will continue to be a privilege."

"Words are not enough and whatever I could say now will never fully express how much I love this fascinating world of motor sport and all it has given me," said Michael Schumacher. "From go-karting to Formula One, I have lived through moments that I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful for everything I have had.

"I want to thank everyone who has accompanied me, supported and inspired me, right back to the days of my childhood. Above all, a special thanks goes to Corinna and our two children, who have given me the strength to do what I have done. All these years in Formula One have been amazing, especially those spent alongside my friends in the Scuderia.

"Soon my future will belong to my family, while I am happy to be still part of Ferrari. But for now, what matters is this world championship."

At the end of the year, as is traditional, we will announce the new team organisation, which will also include a definition of Michael's new role.

.................................................. ...............

One of the longest-running rumours in the Formula One paddock was finally confirmed on Sunday when Ferrari announced that McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen will join the team next season.

Raikkonen has signed a three-year deal, covering the 2007, 2008 and 2009 seasons. His team mate will be Felipe Massa, the Brazilian’s contract having been extended until the end of 2008. Luca Badoer stays on as Ferrari’s official test driver.

"Whilst I have taken the decision to leave Team McLaren Mercedes, I want to stress that I really enjoyed my time with the team,” said Raikkonen. “I have the deepest respect for everybody and will be giving my all in the remaining races."

The Finn has been with McLaren for the past five years, scoring nine victories, 10 pole positions and 321 world championship points. His place at the team will be taken by world champion Fernando Alonso, whose 2007 partner will be revealed by McLaren before the end of the year.

Paying tribute to Raikkonen, McLaren boss Ron Dennis commented: "I have enjoyed working with Kimi over the past five seasons and as a team we have achieved a lot of success. He is a very special driver and obviously everybody at McLaren wishes him all the best in his future career. Looking forward we remain confident that our 2007 line-up will be a strong and exciting one."

Curb Zone

 

Tumbo

What really was amazing in todays race, was Robet Kubica 3rd position! Amazing! Only his third race in F1!! This is huge in Poland!

siko

I was ecstatic! The last few laps, I was just praying he won’t blow his engine!

shonguiz

Thank you MR SCHUMACHER.

Tumbo

Hehe, yeah I did the same.

450SEL6.9

Why does Massa have a seat for next year? He stinks! He is sloppy, wild and has a hard driving style. He hacksaws on that steering wheel like a maniac. Thanks to his crummy driving, Alonso could have ended 3rd. Massa was supposed to keep Alonso behind at all costs.

Ferrari is making a mistake keeping Massa. Kimi will need help if he is to win next year and I don't see how Massa can provide it. If I ran Ferrari, I'd put
Heidfeld in the second car. I'd rather take an inexperienced driver like Bruno Senna over Massa.

Now that Schu is gone, Rory Byrne's assistant has taken over design, will Ross Brawn take a sabbatical and retire quietly?

Alfie

I agree about not keeping Massa. His driving is not consistant enough and it would be very easy for Ferrari to get someone who's better. I'm sure he'll get better and quicker though but still not enough to match Kimi.

Kimi for 3 championship titles

Alfie

I partly happy, partly sad about this.

I hold Kimi as the best driver on the grid and he really deserves to win at least one championship title so that he can be in the history books. I want to see him there! And the chance of getting in there is far greater at Ferrari than at McLaren.

Although, McLaren is my favourite team and my favourite driver won't be driving for them anymore, that's the sad part. A dream combination now shattered, forcing me to cheer for 2 teams for the following 3 seasons. Maybe more.

In 2007 when Bridgestone will be the sole tire supplier Ferrari will be supreme and Kimi will then be the best driver in the best team. Ideal for winning!

I wish Kimi all the best of luck and despite him leaving McLaren I still love him!

C.Charles

It is Awesome news, but F1 will not be the same without Schumacher. It is the end of an era.

Hey Christian, You are a big cheeze in this place! Good to see!

The Emperor

Welcome! I suppose that you're a friend of our fellow mod Zonda, right?

Curb Zone