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Schumacher brushes off criticism

Michael Schumacher said he used the rules "up to the limit" in Monza © Getty Images

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Michael Schumacher says the criticism he received for his driving in the Italian Grand Prix will have no effect on him in Singapore.

Schumacher held of Lewis Hamilton for 23 laps at Monza, but a number of his defending moves were questioned as he force Hamilton on to the grass at Curva Grande and later made two moves in a braking zone. Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn even spoke to Schumacher over the radio after pressure from race director Charlie Whiting, but Schumacher said he did nothing wrong and was not affected by the comments.

"I use the rules up to the limit," Schumacher told Sport Bild. "As for the others complaining, I am used to it. As long as the officials say it's 'hard but okay', then I have done everything right."

Schumacher's best result so far this season is fourth place in Canada, but he said he was expecting to challenge for race victories in 2012, and was open to continuing beyond the end of his current contract.

"There should be wins but I don't think we need to talk about the title in 2012 ... We will sit to discuss the future next year; I don't want to say any more than that."

His optimism for 2012 comes despite recent dominance from Red Bull, with Schumacher saying that Sebastian Vettel will not have it so easy next season.

"Of course Sebastian has had a great performance this year. I don't think he runs the risk of getting tired, but it will be more difficult for his team. The gap will be less. This year there have been races in which no one was able to follow him. That's not going to happen again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.