Schumacher insists he will race in 2012

BERLIN - Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher has put an end to rumors he may retire at the end of the season by insisting Sunday he will race in 2012 for Mercedes. “I’ll certainly be racing next year, that is definite,” Schumacher said at a Mercedes function.

Rumors of Schumacher’s second retirement were fuelled by comments the 42-year-old made to an Italian newspaper, but Sunday’s declaration has poured cold water on any retirement talk.

Having won the last of his seven world titles in 2004, Schumacher retired in 2006, only to return to race with Mercedes in 2010. But whether he races on after 2012, when his three-year contract expires, remains to be decided.

“We will have to see how things develop and how much energy and fun is still there,” he said.

AFP