Seven-time World Champion, Michael Schumacher, has said that he will make a decision on whether he continues racing in 2007, later this year, once he sees how the 2006 championship is developing.

For a number of reasons, the 2005 Ferrari was out-classed, with the German only stepping on to the top step of the podium on one occasion, and that was when the majority of the opposition withdrew (Indianapolis). That said, despite the limitations of the equipment at his disposal, Schumacher, gave a number of typically bold performances, though that still failed to silence sections of the media, who, following every disappointing result, speculate as to when the German might hang up his helmet.

With the emergence of new talent, not to mention new rules and a question mark over the future of a Ferrari squad that has been in place for ten years, Schumacher realizes that his career is nearing the end of its 'shelf-life', nonetheless, he is determined to wait and see how things develop with the F2006.

"If I don't have the opportunity to win races and challenge for the title I don't think I'll be very keen to extend my career," he told Der Spiegel.

"If we want to progress we need more staff," he admitted, which will disappoint, FIA President, Max Mosley, who is desperately seeking to reduce costs. "In Formula One you cannot afford to stand still. I want to know where we're heading."

Schumacher's contract runs out at the end of this season, and though Ferrari president, Luca di Montezemolo, has said that there will always be a seat for him, it's thought that another uncompetitive season, together with talk of Kimi Raikkonen, and even Valentino Rossi, eyeing the Italian team, could cause the German to declare time.