Todt, Weber, fend off retirement talk

(GMM) With Michael Schumacher's driving career no longer the subject of intense speculation, similar attention is already turning to those closest to the multiple world champion.

But close friend and Ferrari team principal Jean Todt refused at Monza to give in to the latest rumors, as speculation about Ross Brawn's intentions beyond 2006 also swelled.

Todt told La Gazzetta dello Sport: ''Michael's decision will not influence my future.

''His life is his life, and mine is mine,'' the Frenchman added.

Schumacher's long time manager, Willi Weber, is also now expected to retire, having split with his other charge – Michael's younger brother Ralf – some time ago.

But the German insisted to reporters at Monza: ''I am too young to take my pension.

''I am already cooperating with some young German supertalents.''