The End of An Era

Just felt I had to break into Dan's doins to say a word or two about the news we've all been expecting but is still so momentous.

Yes Michael Schumacher - our lovely Schumi - has finally announced that he's retiring at the end of this season. Okay maybe he's not everyone's cup of tea but if you know me you know that he's played a VERY big part in the last 12 years of my life and his going will mean a huge change.

So I'd just like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the greatest racing driver ever (and please don't bother arguing with me!) and say Michael it's been such fun and I've loved watching every minute.

Is it the right decision? Well I think yes it is. Whilst his loss will be huge, he must have been realising that the reflexes are not quite what they were: his one mistake per season was becoming three or four; younger guys were not intimated by him and happy to drive right round him if they could. And we wouldn't want him to keep going until he was languishing in the midfield, the best of his talent gone. We always knew - deep down - that 2006 would be a swansong - but the thought of only "having" him for another three races is taking some getting used to!

It does of course leave open the question that the pundits have been completely ignoring - far more significant in my view. Will I be watching F1 next year?? I'll leave you to speculate - if you want to .........