By BMW Sauber F1 Team
September 15 2006

Following his third place in the Italian Grand Prix, Robert Kubica attended the post-race press conference for the first time. Sitting next to him, Michael Schumacher announced his decision regarding the future: the seven-time World Champion is to retire, at the end of the 2006 season. Since his first appearance on a Formula One grid - in the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix - Michael Schumacher has made a massive impact on the Formula One world and turned out to be the most successful driver in the sport's history. Following his win in the Italian Grand Prix, the German announced to his decision to leave F1 for good at the end of the 2006 season.

"Some day it had to happen and I think it is the right moment, now," said Schumacher. "It was a truly difficult decision. But it's better to go when you're still battling it out at the very top. Everybody can see that I'm still highly competitive. And there's nobody I'd have to be afraid of. But quite obviously I'm getting older and it's more and more difficult to find the motivation to deliver at this level."

The 37-year-old secured seven World Championship titles and holds nearly all the records there are in Formula One racing. No driver has won more races (90), clinched more pole positions (68) and scored more World Championship points (1,354). However, when it comes to the number of GPs contested, Michael Schumacher won't be able to beat Riccardo Patrese's long-standing record: the Italian was on the grid for 256 Formula One races.

BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld's comment regarding his compatriot's retirement: "It's a real pity as Michael caused a massive boom in Germany, with his successes. But the rest of the interest will be attracted by the other German drivers and the people will be intrigued to find out who is going to take the reigns at the pinnacle of motor racing, now."

"A dramatic career is going to end with a finale that will be just as dramatic," said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen regarding the concluding three rounds of the season, China, Japan and Brazil. Currently, Alonso's lead over Schumacher is just two points, and the German is fiercely determined to use his farewell tour to secure his eighth World Championship title and crown his fantastic career.