Formula 1: Schumacher pledges future to Ferrari

Michael Schumacher has revealed he will not drive for any other Formula One team than Ferrari.

And the reigning world champion says he is ready to start talking about extending his contract beyond 2004.

Schumacher revealed his plans on the eve of launching his bid for a record-equalling fifth drivers' title in Australia.

"There is no temptation to quit yet - there is a temptation to discuss what happens after that," he said.

"It will be nobody else but Ferrari, that's pretty clear. The kind of team we have now is the ideal situation for a racing driver and I don't see any other team that would interest me at all."

Schumacher's long-term goal may be clear, but he admits he does not know what this weekend holds as he lines-up in the season opening race in Melbourne's Albert Park in last year's car.

"We are starting the season in the old car which is not what we were aiming for but that's what we have to face and try to get the best out of it," said Schumacher.

"But the situation does look positive - tight, but positive. We have two very strong competitors in McLaren and Williams so there are going to be some very interesting battles this year."