BMW full of 'thanks' for Schumacher.

With Michael Schumacher ready to hang up his helmet and overalls at the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix, several teams are set to pay tribute to the seven-time world champion this weekend, not least BMW who will run unique rear wings to thanks him.

An ambassador for sport in Germany, BMW managing director Mario Theissen was full of praise for making Formula One such a phenomenon in his home country, something that has prompted his team to run 'Thanks Michael' and 'Danke Michael' on the rear wings of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica's car this weekend.

"The most successful driver of all time is retiring, he did a lot for the sport and because of him, especially in Germany, F1 is very popular. As a thank you to Michael Schumacher we have Thanks Michael and Danke Michael on the rear wings of our cars."

Whether or not Schumacher, who has his whole family with him in Brazil, will actually find himself looking at the back of a BMW this weekend remains to be seen, but he was certainly full of thanks for the team nonetheless.

"Of course, I am well aware this is my last Grand Prix, but once I am in the car, it feels no different to any other. I am here with my family and my closest friends which makes me happy. I would like to thank BMW-Sauber for their nice gesture."