So long and farewell

teamcar - The 2006 Formula One season is finally over and by and large it was a good one. There were close fought battles for both titles and it was never certain which way it was going to go, there were some great races and some not-so-great controversies and now, at the end of it all, it's time so say so long and farewell to some names and faces.

Of course, there's always a chance that people will return to the sport in one way or another but for the moment there are a few departures. Michael Schumacher's retirement from racing is arguably the absence that will be most felt. The seven-time champion is the most successful driver in F1's history and that kind of legacy won't be easily forgotten.

Schumacher will perhaps be remembered as much for his controversies as for his record-breaking career but no matter how one feels about the German, he made a huge contribution to the sport. He may not have gone out with a win or that eighth title but his performance at Interlagos was a reminder of just why he was so successful for so long.

"People ask me what I will miss but it is still too early to consider that," he said after Brazil. "For now all I need is peace and quiet, something that is a novelty for me. I am well aware of the unforgettable moments I have had in Formula One and of the fans' support. It is always comforting knowing that someone is supporting you in difficult times. This feeling has always been with me and I hope, in my own way, to have given the fans something to cheer."

Michelin has made its name well-known over its years in F1. The French tyre manufacturer competed in 216 Grands Prix since 1977 and notched up nine world championship titles with its partner teams. Since last year's US Grand Prix controversy Michelin's future involvement in F1 and its relationship with the FIA looked decidedly rocky.

Michelin's reasons for quitting at the end of this season focused on the constant changing of tyre rules and the FIA's intention to have a single tyre supplier from 2008, which the manufacturer did not agree with. Michelin previously left F1 in the mid-eighties and returned in 2001 and while the sport is not in its foreseeable future, another return is possible.