Schumi to decide future on his own

Imola (Italy): Ferrari is not rushing Michael Schumacher to make a decision about his future.

''Schumi has time to decide,'' Ferrari president and Fiat chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said on Saturday, shortly before Schumacher earned the 66th pole position of his career for the San Marino Grand Prix, breaking the record he shared with Ayrton Senna.

''We're not going to push Michael into making a decision. Only Michael will decide and know what his future will be,'' Montezemolo added.

Schumacher's contract with Ferrari expires after this season. The 37-year-old German has won a record seven world titles, but struggled last year and at the beginning of this season.

Schumacher and Ferrari have said for months that a decision would be made midseason.

''These questions won't go on for much longer. He will certainly decide before Monza,'' Montezemolo said, referring to the Italian GP in September.

If Schumacher retires or leaves for another team, Ferrari could hire Kimi Raikkonen from McLaren. Motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi also has an open invitation to join the team.

''Raikkonen is certainly a driver that interests us,'' Montezemolo said. ''I recall it was actually Schumacher, years ago at Mugello, when Raikkonen tested a Sauber for the first time, who told me he was a great talent worth keeping an eye on.

''If Raikkonen had had a more reliable car last season, he would have won the championship.''

There is also the possibility that Ferrari could bring in two new drivers for 2007. Felipe Massa only signed a one-year contract for this season.