In an interview with The Times, Michael Schumacher has admitted that despite talk of moves to Renault, should he opt to remain in F1 beyond the end of the current season, he will most likely stay with Ferrari.

"It is very likely that I would stay with the colour red," he told Kevin Eason. "There are obviously other options but at this stage, I won't consider them.

"Why should I?" he continued. "I am so happy here. We have such a good relationship and we have known each other for so long that I would have to have a very good reason to move to another team. It is more complex than just considering myself. There are a lot of other factors that are very important, such as whether the team is competitive and what other things are going on and I need to verify those."

After a difficult 2005, and a hit and miss start to 2006, race fans, F1 insiders and the media are unsure as to whether the German will opt to continue racing next season. That said, it was clear in Melbourne that the seven-time champion has lost none of his motivation.

"I have plenty of hobbies," he said, considering the day when he finally hangs up his helmet in favour of pipe and slippers, "but I have nothing that would make me leave Formula One and nothing that gives me such passion and pleasure."

Looking ahead to Imola, and the long championship battle that lies ahead, he said: "People have quoted me as saying that Imola could be the crucial race, but that's not the case.

"I foresee a lot of potential in the fight for the championship," he continued, "particularly with the speed of our car and what is coming in terms of development.

"This championship hasn't gone away. We might need a bit of luck sometime, but I am hoping we have had our ration of bad luck already."