A closer look at Michael Schumacher's brilliant career in racing.

1969: Born on January 3 in Huerth-Hermuelheim, Germany.

1973: Makes his racing debut in a kart race.

1987: Wins German and European kart championships.

1988: Finishes fourth in German Formula Ford championship and second in the European series in first year of car racing.

1990: Wins first major single-seater title, clinching the German Formula Three crown. Steps up to sportscars, driving for Mercedes.

1991: Makes Formula One debut for Jordan in Belgium, qualifying seventh before retiring. Poached by Benetton for the rest of the season.

1992: Takes first grand prix win in Belgium on his way to third in championship.

1994: Wins title, with eight wins to his name, after controversial last-race clash with Damon Hill.

1995: Retains world crown, taking nine victories.

1996: Moves to struggling Ferrari and manages three wins on his way to third in championship.

1997: Wins five races but is stripped of second in the championship for attempting to take out title rival Jacques Villeneuve at Jerez.

1999: Breaks his leg at Silverstone when easily leading the championship.

2000: Finally wins Ferrari's first world title since 1979, amassing nine wins on the way.

2001: Another nine wins and another title, setting a new record for all-time victories on the way.

2002: Wins championship in record time, setting a new mark of 11 victories.

2003: Wins title by a point after six victories, breaking Juan Manuel Fangio's record of five championships.

2004: Breaks his own record for wins in a season to take title number seven.

2006: September 10 - Announces his retirement at end of 2006 season after winning Italian Grand Prix.

2009: July 29 - Announces he plans to make a shock return to Formula One with Ferrari, deputising for Felipe Massa until the Brazilian is recovered from injuries suffered in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

August 11 - Announces he will not make a Formula One comeback due to a neck injury sustained in a motorbike accident in February.

December 23 - Signs a one-year contract to drive in 2010 with Mercedes GP, ending three years in retirement.