MICHAEL SCHUMACHER won the 57th running of the Italian
Formula One Grand Prix at Monza, the circuit with the longest racing history.
His solid win closed his
F1 world championship chase to two points behind current F1 world champion, FERNANDO ALONSO, who retired ten laps from the end with an engine failure. Ferrari took over the constructors' championship by three points ahead of
Renault.
Schumacher made the announcement at his podium conference after the victory, saying he was sorry it took so long to make the announcement. He and the team wanted the right moment and this was it, his last Monza race. He said "One day the day has to come and this was the moment. It was time to let FELIPE (team-mate MASSA) decide his future." At some stage, the team will announce Schumacher's replacement. Schumacher knows and approves of the decision - "a fine driver".
Schumacher said he was more focused than ever on the final three races and on the constructors' championship.
Afterwards, Ferrari chairman LUCA CORDERO Di MONTEZEMOLO, said the decision was made two weeks ago.
Polesitter KIMI RAIKKONEN finished second. He is rumoured and widely expected to be the replacement for Schumacher but no further announcement was made.
However, as the podium conference was winding down,
McLaren sent a release thanking Kimi for his nine victories, ten poles and 321 world championship points. The release spoke of "today's announcement regarding his future" and "whilst Kimi's 2007 plans are now announced."
Raikkonen said in the release "Whilst I have taken the decision to leave Team McLaren Mercedes, I want to stress that I really enjoyed my time with the team. I have the deepest respect for everybody and will be giving my all in the remaining races."
McLaren said "The team has a number of options for the remaining seat alongside world champion
Fernando Alonso for 2007 and will make an announcement prior to the end of the year."
Stay tuned!
ROBERT KUBICA, running his third F1 race, finished third in his first ever podium finish. Fourth and fifth were GIANCARLO FISICHELLA and JENSON BUTTON
JEAN TODT accepted the constructors' trophy for
Ferrari.
