Schumacher insists he’s not thinking about 2013 yet

Michael Schumacher is now beginning to beat his younger teammate Nico Rosberg

Michael Schumacher says it is far too early to consider racing on beyond the end of his current Mercedes contract in 2013, despite his recent upturn in form.

After a mediocre start to his eagerly-anticipated comeback, Schumacher has begun to show better pace in recent rounds.

He surged from the back of the grid to fifth at Spa after a lost wheel caused him to crash in Q1, then finished a combative fifth at Monza having run as high as third.

With Schumacher finally appearing to find his feet again, there had been speculation that the 42-year-old might consider extending his return to Formula 1.

But the seven-time champion gave the rumors short shrift.

"I don't give a damn about suggestions," he retorted when asked if he was pondering staying in F1 after 2012.

"There is no point to talk about my future right now.

"I don't want to give any suggestions."

Schumacher said his only firm commitment so far was to honor the final year of his Mercedes deal in 2012, despite plenty of rumors during his earlier struggles that he might call it a day at the end of this year.

"I'm doing what I'm planning to do – and that is to be there next year, definitely, and then I will find out afterwards," he declared.

The German presently sits eighth in the world championship, just four points behind team-mate Nico Rosberg – who beat him by a 70-point margin in 2010. ITV Sport