Schumacher

MILAN -- Ferrari's Formula One champion Michael Schumacher says he was so shocked by the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States that he considered taking time out from the sport.

In an interview to be broadcast on Italy's Retequattro television station Tuesday, the German recalled a year after the attacks on New York and Washington just how reluctant he had been to race.

Practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza began just two days later and there were rumors that Schumacher was considering pulling out of the race.

"I certainly thought about it. It was a key period in my life with the attack on the Twin Towers and the dramatic injury to Alex Zanardi," said Schumacher, referring to popular Italian CART racer Zanardi who lost both his legs in an accident in Germany on Sept. 15. "It was difficult to get back in the car and drive again as if nothing had happened. I didn't feel like it and I would have rather been anywhere else than driving.

"I felt like it was a bad sign to be driving at Monza after what had happened.

"I was very resistant but then I decided to get out on the track although my heart wasn't in it. I was there in the car but in reality I was somewhere else."

Schumacher finished fourth in Monza, the last time he has finished off the podium, having already won the championship in Hungary the previous month.

Ferrari competed after painting a black nose on their cars and removing their sponsors logos in what was a very subdued race.

Schumacher said he felt justified in his decision to race when he later traveled to the United States for the Indianapolis Grand Prix.

"It was important to take into account that life goes on, making every effort possible because events like that should not be repeated," he said. "I felt comforted when a few days later we went to the United States for the Grand Prix where I saw that the Americans, however upset, were dealing with the shock.

"I saw people who were ready to start again with great strength in their soul and the need for normality and a new start."

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn said last year that Schumacher had been close to quitting after more than 3,000 people were killed when the hijacked airliners smashed into New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington.

"He really was badly affected by the disaster. There was talk of retirement. I think a few days of consideration reminded him how much he loves racing," Brawn said.

Schumacher did not take long to regain his love of racing, winning the final round of 2001 in Japan and a record 10 races so far this season.

The German has already claimed a record-equaling fifth title and will be a favorite to win again Sunday when he returns to Monza for this year's Italian Grand Prix.