Schu to quit in '08

Michael Schumacher will probably retire from formula one at the end of the 2008 season, his manager hinted on Tuesday.

''I could be wrong,'' Willi Weber said in a yet unpublished interview with 'Stuttgarter Nachrichten' newspaper, ''but I think that is probably the end for him.''

36-year-old Schumacher, the seven time world champion, has yet to extend his current Ferrari contract beyond the end of next year. Weber told the newspaper that his talented charge would definitely not switch to McLaren.

''Just stop it now,'' the German said of the speculation. ''Right now I can rule out this link.'' Weber, who reputedly earns up to 20 per cent ($10m) of Schumacher's $50m a-year salary, reckons Ferrari is a better 'marketing' image for a driver.

''When you think Ferrari, you think racing, motor sport, formula one,'' he said. ''Mercedes symbolizes luxury cars.''