Michael Schumacher, happy to see such an unpredictable GP

One year after his last race in Formula One, Michael Schumacher declared Thursday that he is happy to watch the end of the 2007 championship from the comfort of his living room.

« I remember well the tension of a weekend like this one, for the driver, and to be honest, I am very happy to watch the race from my couch, at home, this time, » the seven-time world champion said in an official statement.

At the age of 38, Schumacher, exactly a year ago, failed the daring bet of clinching one last title for his retirement year. He ultimately fell short against the supremacy of Fernando Alonso and the Renault team at the Interlagos circuit last October.

« I miss him and I would like to see him return to Formula 1, especially with the current situation, » said Bernie Ecclestone on Thursday, referring to the battle between three drivers for the title, to the Austrian news agency APA.

Schumacher, still tied with Ferrari, said he would keep his fingers crossed for his successor Kimi Räikkönen, who is three points behind Fernando Alonso and seven behind the current championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

But he does not regret not being in the same situation as the Finnish person who is in the spotlight.

« As I have said many times before, my family means a lot to me and I feel very happy with the life we have today, » said Schumacher.