Michael Schumacher says he will only quit Formula One when he can no longer compete with his younger rivals.

The German, bidding for a record sixth drivers' crown this year, is under contract to Ferrari until the end of 2004.

But Schu, 34, insisted: "I'm a long way from retirement.

"I'm the one they are trying to knock off the pedestal.

"It's good like that - better to be dethroned than never to have reached the top step.

"But I want to race for many more years in Formula One.

"What happens afterwards doesn't interest me."

Schumacher gave his new Ferrari car a winning debut at last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

He already holds the record for most career victories (66), fastest laps (53) and overall points (973).

And only three-time champ Ayrton Senna has had more pole positions.

The German moved to within 12 of Senna's mark of 65 in Spain.

And if he does continue to race on, he is certain to break the late Brazilian's total.