F1 - Canada - Schu shouldn't go?

Not a massive surprise, although the timing of this announcement is.

Less than two weeks ago, the rumours in the paddock were the five-time World Champ could go a year early and quit at the end of the season.

Monaco winner Montoya was being lined up for the drive before he even took the chequered flag.

That always looked well off the mark.

Still, I don't believe this announcement is in direct response to that garbage.

More likely it's a boost for the team as much as it is a downer for McLaren and Williams as they arrive at a pivotal point in the season so far.

Ron Dennis may feel the introduction of his new car will be the true decisive marker, for me Canada is a big GP this year - bigger than usual.

Should Schumacher overhaul that four point gap in the championship race on Sunday, it will be a far bigger step that it may suggest.

Not that I don't think current leader Kimi Raikkonen is mentally strong enough to go the distance.

However I do think the pressure of playing catch-up would force more errors from the Finn in his first championship challenge.

Montreal should be there for the taking for the F2003-GA, it's a power circuit with long straights and although Michelin tyres may hold an advantage, I don't see it being as big as it was in Monaco.

I'll be mightily surprised if the German doesn't record his fourth victory of the season here.

Many have said they feel Schumacher has made a mistake in deciding to stay in the sport until 2006.

They feel he's had his time and he will only tarnish his own legacy by 'hanging on'.

I don't buy that; in fact it's completely the opposite.

There has always been a feeling that he's never had the competition throughout his dominance of the sport.

Bit harsh on Mika for me and with Schumi being so far above the rest, that argument doesn't hold much weight with me.

Makes me wonder what they will say if he dispenses with the hyped young guns of Raikkonen and Alonso?