MONZA, Sept 1: Seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher on Wednesday brushed off rumours that he was about to retire from Formula One racing. "I have heard around that I was about to announce my retirement.

I am sorry to disappoint those who thought so," Schumacher said with a smile during a press conference in Monza ahead of three days of tests at the Italian circuit. "Competition is in my blood, I live for it. And I will go ahead for as long as this feeling lasts and for as long as I remain competitive," the German added.

The 35-year-old Ferrari driver was responding to speculation about his retirement circulating on the Internet this week. Asked about his latest drivers' title victory, Schumi said he had been expecting the competition to be tougher this time round. -dpa