Schumacher can quit on a high - Ecclestone

Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone admits he would be surprised to see Michael Schumacher race on beyond this season.

Schumacher’s Ferrari contract expires at the end of this year and the sport’s most successful driver expects to decide whether he continues racing in the summer.

At 37, Schumacher is preparing to start his 15th full season in Formula One and Ecclestone expects him to retire this year, despite recent rumours suggesting a surprise switch to Red Bull or Toyota.

“I wouldn’t be surprised [if he retired],” he said after delivering the annual Sid Watkins safety lecture at the Autosport Show.

“He has done very well hasn’t he? He’ll probably get a bit tired of chasing round the world.”

But Ecclestone believes 2006, if it is to be Schumacher’s swan song, will be a year to remember for Ferrari.

The German lost his world title in embarrassing circumstances last year after Ferrari failed to get to grips with rule changes.

But Ecclestone, Formula One’s commercial rights holder, expects a change this season. Asked whether the sport needed a strong Ferrari, he said: “I think you are going to see it this year.

“I think the new technical rules will be interesting. The championship will be won by the people who build the most reliable car. It might not be who people think. Watch this space.”

If Schumacher surprises Ecclestone by continuing in Formula One, the Englishman has promised a united sport despite recent political turbulence.

Five manufacturers are still pressing ahead with plans to launch a breakaway series as talks continue to resolve their complaints over how the sport is governed and how much money they receive.

But Ecclestone insisted there is “no way” a rival series will be launched in 2008, predicting a resolution soon.