Montezemolo: 2008 sticking point for Schu...

Ferrari president, Luca di Montezemolo has revealed that the reason Michael Schumacher is still deliberating whether or not to continue racing in F1, is not so much to do with 2007, but 2008.

Speaking to Italian newspaper, Gazzetto dello Sport, Montezemolo explained that the German doesn't want to commit himself to just one more year, as the whole situation and speculation about him would then just re-ignite in twelve months time.

"I think Michael wants to continue for a year, but not to find himself in five months' time facing the same questions he has now," Montezemolo told the 'paper according to BBC Sport Online. "It would suit him to sign for another two years, but he is assessing whether he will still want to race in 2008."

Schumacher's current deal ends at the end of this season and although he is expected to make a decision in the summer, it is not yet known for sure which way he will jump, although there has been no end of speculation in recent weeks.

"It's up to him to decide and he knows that if he wants to stay for two years then we will agree. He has to say it," continued Montezemolo. "Having a competitive car helps, but Michael had already realised that [we had a good car before his victory at the San Marino GP last weekend]. His future depends more on his head than on Ferrari."

As for if Schumacher does bow out, Montezemolo said that while he would be missed, they are not overly concerned. Indeed it is thought Ferrari have an option on McLaren-Mercedes team leader, Kimi Raikkonen for next year - even if they do deny it - and of course they are also said to be in talks with MotoGP ace, Valentino Rossi, as well as having current number two driver, Felipe Massa on their books.

"We do not have a driver problem [for 2007]," he concluded. "We will talk to Rossi in the coming weeks to make a decision. With Raikkonen, there is absolutely nothing other than the fact that we believe he is one of the best three drivers at the moment."