Adapted from GMM
Michael Schumacher is unapologetic in the wake of criticism of his driving at Monza and talks about 2012.
Two weeks ago, some of the seven time world champion's rivals, and former driver and Monza steward Derek Daly as well as commentators, said Michael Schumacher should have been penalised for his tactics to prevent Lewis Hamilton from passing him.
But Schumacher told Germany's SportBild this week: "I use the rules up to the limit. As for the others complaining, I am used to it. As long as the officials say it's 'hard but okay', then I have done everything right."
Michael Schumacher acknowledged that he is not able to win races in the last six races of 2011, but he expects to add to his record tally of 91 victories at some point next season.
The fact he is only expecting a championship tilt to be possible for Mercedes after 2012 is ramping up speculation the great German intends to extend his contract.
"There should be wins but I don't think we need to talk about the title in 2012. We will sit to discuss the future next year; I don't want to say any more than that," said Michael Schumacher.
Talking about next season, Michael Schumacher explains that Sebastian Vettel will have a tougher time in 2012.
It is possible Vettel, 24, will secure his second consecutive drivers' title this weekend with still five races to follow Singapore.
"Of course Sebastian has had a great performance this year," Schumacher, who in 1995 similarly won his second title in successive seasons at Benetton, told the German newspaper.
But the 42-year-old, tipping Red Bull's rival teams to speed up in 2012, added: "I don't think he runs the risk of getting tired, but it will be more difficult for his team. The gap will be less. This year there have been races in which no one was able to follow him (Vettel). That's not going to happen again."
Michael Schumacher is unapologetic in the wake of criticism of his driving at Monza and talks about 2012.
Two weeks ago, some of the seven time world champion's rivals, and former driver and Monza steward Derek Daly as well as commentators, said Michael Schumacher should have been penalised for his tactics to prevent Lewis Hamilton from passing him.
But Schumacher told Germany's SportBild this week: "I use the rules up to the limit. As for the others complaining, I am used to it. As long as the officials say it's 'hard but okay', then I have done everything right."
Michael Schumacher acknowledged that he is not able to win races in the last six races of 2011, but he expects to add to his record tally of 91 victories at some point next season.
The fact he is only expecting a championship tilt to be possible for Mercedes after 2012 is ramping up speculation the great German intends to extend his contract.
"There should be wins but I don't think we need to talk about the title in 2012. We will sit to discuss the future next year; I don't want to say any more than that," said Michael Schumacher.
Talking about next season, Michael Schumacher explains that Sebastian Vettel will have a tougher time in 2012.
It is possible Vettel, 24, will secure his second consecutive drivers' title this weekend with still five races to follow Singapore.
"Of course Sebastian has had a great performance this year," Schumacher, who in 1995 similarly won his second title in successive seasons at Benetton, told the German newspaper.
But the 42-year-old, tipping Red Bull's rival teams to speed up in 2012, added: "I don't think he runs the risk of getting tired, but it will be more difficult for his team. The gap will be less. This year there have been races in which no one was able to follow him (Vettel). That's not going to happen again."