Ferrari: Schumi 50-50 to stay

London - The chances of Michael Schumacher extending his Ferrari contract after the end of the season are 50-50, according to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.

Montezemolo told Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper in an interview published on Saturday that he expected the seven times Formula One champion to decide his future within the coming month.

He denied reports in Germany that the 37-year-old was seeking a two-year extension after the expiry of his contract at the end of the season and that Ferrari were considering the request.

"It's up to him to decide and he knows that if he wants to stay for two years then we will agree. He has to say it," declared Montezemolo.

"Having a competitive car helps, but Michael had already realised that (was the case before he won the last race at Imola), added the Italian.

"His future depends more on his head than on Ferrari.

"I think Michael wants to continue for a year, but not to find himself in five months' time facing the same questions he has now.

"It would suit him to sign for another two years, but he is assessing whether he will still want to race in 2008."

Schumacher won the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, Ferrari's home race, last month - his first victory since the hollow triumph at the six-car US Grand Prix last June.

Asked about other potential signings, and specifically McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen and MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, Montezemolo replied:

"I am of the opinion that one does not have to risk indigestion in life but abundance is always to be preferred. We do not have a driver problem today.

"We will talk to Rossi in the coming weeks to make a decision. With Raikkonen, there is absolutely nothing other than the fact that we believe he is one of the best three (drivers) at the moment."