A further hint that Michael Schumacher could be considering retirement at the end of the season came ahead of qualifying for the Turkish Grand Prix on Saturday, when it transpired that the German had asked for the Grand Prix Drivers' Association elections to be postponed.


The ballot had been due to take place ahead of the next round of the championship, at Monza on 10 September, but it is understood that Schumacher, a GPDA director, has requested that they be delayed until after the race. Monza has long been the date at which Ferrari maintains it will reveal its line-up for 2007, and paddock wisdom suggests that a lot could hinge on Schumacher's position in the championship.


While the F1 world appears divided over whether the German will call it quits at the end of this year or next, his manager, Willi Weber, has urged Schumacher to go out on top, logically on the back of an eighth world title - something which is becoming a distinct possibility this year. Should Schumi decide that enough is enough, he would have to stand down from his position within the GPDA, but is likely to seek re-election should he opt to continue, giving yesterday's request greater meaning.