 |  I take very little interest in the past and much more in the future |
World champion Michael Schumacher is taking a three-month break from Formula One before he launches his bid to extent his record to seven titles. The 34-year-old, who said he felt empty and exhausted after winning his sixth crown in Japan two weeks ago, wants to feel re-energised for the 2004 season.
"I am in the fortunate situation of being able to organise my own programme up to January," said the Ferrari star.
"Apart from a few appointments, I am looking forward to a holiday."
"Over the past few years, I have realised how important it is for me to have a break from Formula One to prepare again for another tough season with my batteries fully charged and a new motivation.
"The best thing is to really want to drive a car, otherwise the season just becomes long and stressful. But this requires a lot of energy and in fact it is just like refuelling for the winter."
In recent years, the Ferrari ace has made a habit of taking a long break over the winter in his holiday home in Norway.
But until this year he has punctuated it with occasional returns for the odd day of winter testing.
His need for extra time away from the track reflects on the fierce battle he had with McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen and the Williams-BMW of Juan Pablo Montoya before claiming his historic title in Suzuka.
"In some ways, the events at Suzuka seem a long way ago and over now," added Schumacher, who won the championship from Raikkonen by just two points.
"However, when I am at home relaxing, naturally my thoughts return to that day.
"But everyday life soon returns as I live a very normal existence at home. Corinna (his wife) and I have two children and they represent my life.
"In general, I take very little interest in the past and much more in the future. Nevertheless, I cannot deny that what happened in Japan was something fantastic."
MMIX
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