Friday, July 14 2006 15:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Michael Schumacher has dismissed any speculation that he could follow Juan Pablo Montoya to America and compete in the NASCAR series, which he described as a low-tech sport.

The Ferrari ace was asked on the eve of the French Grand Prix if he could entertain such an idea once his Formula One career was over.

"Personally I wouldn't do it because I think, what do you do in NASCAR? What is exciting there? I can't see that, running around in ovals," the German told reporters.

"I don't know heavy these cars are, but (it's) a heavy and very low-developed car to drive compared to a Formula One car. I don't see the challenge, for me," he said.

The 37-year-old was however, a little more confident about his prospects this Sunday at Magny-Cours.

"I hope we can be as competitive here as in Indy," he said.

"To be honest, it all depends on the tyres. We have a great car and if the tyres work then we look good, if they don't then we don't," he said.

Schumacher said there was still hope for his title ambitions after closing the gap on championship leader Fernando Alonso.

"After the U.S. the gap in the Drivers' is now 19 points. It was a major step to close the gap that much and as I have said before, as long as there is a mathematical chance of winning there is still hope, " he said.