So there's a lot of Michael speculation these days. Will he retire at the end of 2006 or not? If he doesn't, will he stay at Ferrari or head to Renault?

And now a new contender jumps startlingly into the fray.

BMW Team Boss Mario Theissen has admitted that he's trying to get Schumi for his blue-and-white outfit next season. While this might normally be considered mere wishful thinking, please note that Dr T's offer is a very generous one. $100 million, as conservative rumours dictate!

My completely insignificant two cents: Michael, now 37, won't call it quits in 2006 -- not unless he wins with massive style. Ferrari's resurgent, and he'll stay optimistically on board for another season. He won't move to Renault, cause the risk -- of wearing a blue suit at this time in his career and losing -- is too great and would muddy up his Ferrari mythos entirely.

As for the BMW offer, if it really is as astronomical as that, then it's interesting 'cause Michael likes the idea of building up a race legacy, a la Ferrari, with a fledgling team and might take his key personnel Ross Brawn and Jean Todt along with him. It's a curious idea, and the concept would definitely appeal to Michael -- Don't forget BMW is as German as they come -- but it would mean sticking around till about 2009 and enduring more than one title-less season.

Will Michael be racing at 40? Honestly, I wouldn't totally bet against it.

What do you think?

-- Raja Sen