Schu to attend some races in 2008

(GMM) Michael Schumacher has confirmed that, like last year, he will attend some grands prix in 2008.

The retired seven time world champion acted as a Ferrari advisor last season, and has now specified his role within the Maranello based team to contribute to the development of the famous marque's racing cars.

It is expected that Schumacher, who turned 39 earlier this month, will test the newly launched F2008 in the near future — probably before the start of the championship.

At the Ferrari-Ducati winter media event in the Italian Dolomites, the German confirmed that he will attend some races in 2008.

"Mainly some European ones, the first European one, for instance," Schumacher, referring to the Spanish grand prix in late April, said.

He however ruled out making the long-haul trip to places like China, and even the first race of the season, in Australia in March.

"It's not fun to go to the first race," Schumacher said. "I have been travelling for many years and I don't need to go to Australia.

"Now I don't like to travel too much."

One non-racer who has committed to the entire 18-race 2008 schedule, meanwhile, is Anthony Hamilton, the father and manager of McLaren's 23-year-old driver.

"The reason I will go is because I want to be there if something happens," he told the British newspaper Mail on Sunday.

"There can be nothing worse than being sat at home in front of a TV and something has happened to your kid and you can't get to them," he added.