I don't care if fans are bored, says Schumi

Michael Schumacher insists he could not care less about fans bored by his domination of Formula One as he approaches yet another milestone in this weekend’s German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

Schumacher can bring home another world championship to Ferrari this weekend, with the constructors’ title in their grasp.

Realistically, Ferrari are certain to take that crown no matter what – but it will be mathematically sure if they score 13 points more than Renault, their only rivals in the title chase, this weekend.

That would be Ferrari’s sixth consecutive constructors’ crown, with Schumacher also in pole position to take his fifth straight drivers’ title.

That monotonous run of success has led some fans to call for a shake-up in Formula One, accusing the racing of becoming tediously predictable.

Schumacher, however, is more interested in making sure his devoted fans are given what they want every other Sunday afternoon.

He said: “I work for the people who cheer us on – I don’t worry for the people who don’t. There’s no reason to. I’d rather make our fans happy because they support us.”

Schumacher has also poured cold water on any hopes he may be hanging up his helmet soon.

The six-time world champion has a contract until 2006 and suggested at Hockenheim today that he is willing to see that time out – at least.

Schumacher, along with the technical team who followed him from Benetton, has revitalised Ferrari’s fortunes and he wants to continue reaping the rewards.

Schumacher, who is battling a bout of flu this weekend, added: “We are all not really that old to retire soon.

“We all have some years in front of us. If I understand the situation, everybody is happy so everybody wants to keep going.

“I just have flu, when you have flu you are not 100% but for Sunday I will be.”

Despite 10 victories from 11 grands prix this season, Schumacher concedes he has ridden his luck at times and feels the apparent ease of his success is hardly a fair reflection of the challenge facing Ferrari.

“Many of the races we have won this season shouldn’t have happened, honestly, but they have happened,” he said.

Schumacher is now hoping to keep that run of luck going on home ground to win a more overtly prized possession, the constructors’ title for Ferrari.

“We would rather do it here,” he said. “It would be a nice present for our fans to do it here. It would mean we could have a nice celebration afterwards.”