Michael Schumacher has quashed rumours he'll leave Formula One at the end of this year by saying he is targeting his eighth title in 2011.
The Mercedes driver has performed poorly in 2010 and there was speculation over whether he would call time on his three year contract at the end of the year.
The 41-year-old returned to F1 this year after three seasons in retirement but has so far struggled to match team mate Nico Rosberg.
Schumacher said: "When I came back [the target] was to win another title. That's what I'm here for, very clearly. I know the final target, where I want to go. I'm confident I can achieve it."
Although Schumacher said he is not happy with his performance so far this year, he has not lost the motivation which helped him to win a record seven F1 titles and claims to be enjoying the challenge.
Schumacher said: "Perfectly happy with my own performance is probably wrong to say. But put it this way: yes, there is an expectation out there which, I think you have to be realistic, is impossible to meet.
"I am away three years and just to come back and start exactly where I finished with maybe a car that doesn't allow me to right now is probably unrealistic. I am not a magician either. It just needs time. I take that time. I enjoy most of all this process."See all the latest Ford reviews, news and video
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: Schuey targets 2011 title
And i'll point out that Schumacher apart from Germany he qualifies well, for the first ten laps of a race he's like the Schumacher of old, then he gradually fades away like he's doing just enough to hold onto tenth,he's only good enough to beat the probationers, an 8th world title?, i just can't see it, sorry.
Re: Schuey targets 2011 title
Someone pointed out during the German GP coverage that what's really hurting Schumi is the testing ban. When he was THE outstanding driver in F1 , it wasn't so much that God had given him much more talent than anyone else , but that he worked bloody hard at improving the car and his driving. Now he is not allowed to do that.Re: Schuey targets 2011 title
"Michael Schumacher has quashed rumours he'll leave Formula One at the end of this year by saying he is targeting his eighth title in 2011", and a moon landing in 2012.
.
I too am enjoying seeing him humiliated by Rosberg on a regular basis.Can't help noticing that Rosberg has been on the podium with the sub-par Mercedes car.