AUGUST 15, 2011

Schumacher rejects early quit thoughts

Michael Schumacher has denied any thoughts of hanging up his helmet before the end of his current Mercedes contract running to the end of 2012.

As Mercedes celebrated 125 years of the automobile at a Stuttgart 'Magic Moments' gathering, Schumacher said: "Yeah, despite some funny rumours and stupid untruthful stories, I keep repeating myself, that you will see me in 2012, whether that is good or bad!

"I will be here and the good thing is that I have a lot of support from all around, in particular from the company and from the team. They all wish me to be here and I wish to be here. I am looking forward to it."

Schumacher added that any decisions to be taken refer to the period beyond 2012 and not before.

"We will have to see how much I am enjoying it then and how much energy is there," he said.

Schumacher conceded that Mercedes has work to do if it is to fight for the championship next year, which was his stated aim on his return at the beginning of 2010.