Ferrari technical director Ross brawn has said he is confident that seven-time world Champion, Michael Schumacher, will continue racing for at least one more season.

The German, now 37, has said he will decide whether he is to continue racing by mid-summer, a move which, whether he retires or not, will signal the beginning of one of the biggest episodes of 'musical chairs' that F1 has witnessed.

"We haven't given him an ultimatum," Brawn told Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung. "But I'm convinced Michael will let Ferrari know his decision between now and June, maybe even as early as May."

Although Schumacher's motivation is as great as ever, the German does not want a repeat of the 2005, and demands a car with which he can fight Renault and McLaren for the World Championship. After just three races, it is not yet clear whether the 248 F1 is the car.

"He wants a car capable of winning," admitted Brawn. "And it's up to us to give him that. He is as motivated as ever, and has more experience than any other driver."

Last week, Schumacher's manager, Willi Weber, said that the German's former boss, Flavio Briatore would be keen to see him in a Renault in 2007.