Oct.16 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher has contradicted suggestions that his final race for Toyota this weekend will also be the last time he is seen on a formula one grid.

The German veteran has had a difficult 2007 season, but he told the Bild-Zeitung newspaper that he will "definitely" be back in the paddock in Australia next March.

"It is a pity that the season went so badly wrong for me, and for all of us," the former six-time race winner said.

"But about my future I have no fear, I am not worried. I know things that mean I can sleep peacefully," he added, "but I cannot speak about them just yet.

"Before I moved to Toyota (in 2005), I had to keep it a secret for more than half a year, for various reasons.

"All I can say now is that I will definitely drive next year in formula one."

Even Schumacher, however, admits that his days of earning about $20m per season are over.

He insisted: "It is true that I no longer need to make many millions, but I will still continue to make money in formula one. I will definitely not be paying anything to sit in a car, unlike some of the others."