Michael Schumacher, one of the most decorated Formula One racers ever, said Monday he is looking forward to returning to South Korea for the second F1 Korean Grand Prix next month.

In an e-mail interview with Yonhap, the German driver said he now has a better idea of the Korean International Circuit after racing in South Korea a year ago and finishing fourth.

“Last year, none of us really knew what to expect, but we have seen a great venue and a cool track,” Schumacher said. “I am anyway a friend of new circuits and countries getting involved in F1, as I love motorsport and like it to be spread around the world.”

The KIC in Yeongam, about 400 kilometers south of Seoul, hosted its inaugural Grand Prix last year. It is under a seven-year deal with F1, plus a five-year option.

This year’s event will be from Oct. 14 to 16. The first day will include two practice runs, followed by the qualifying run on Day 2. The final race is at 3 p.m. on Oct. 16.

F1 is the world’s most prestigious open-wheel racing circuit, and Schumacher is among the all-time greats. He still holds many F1 records, including most overall championships with seven, most race victories with 91, and most races won in a single season with 13 in 2004.

In 2002, he became the first F1 driver to finish in the top three in every race of a season. When he retired in 2006, the F1 website dubbed him “statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen.”

The 42-year-old debuted in 1991. He left F1 in 2006 but returned last year.

Schumacher said he will try to improve on his fourth-place finish in South Korea from a year ago.

“My philosophy is anyway very clear about racing and fighting,” he said. “I always try to do my best and do not give up until the checkered flag is taken.”

Since ending his retirement, Schumacher hasn’t had a win or a podium finish, ranking fourth in four races. He has been fifth in his last two races.

To reach the podium in South Korea, Schumacher will likely have to contend with Sebastian Vettel, also of Germany.

He was the overall champion last year with five victories, and leads this year’s standings with eight wins in 13 races so far.

Schumacher said he has known Vettel, 24, since he was a boy racing karts

“We are friends and I am very happy to see him do well,” Schumacher said. “He is a great driver. He has all the ingredients needed to be (a) world champion.”

Though F1 racing is still a fledgling sport in South Korea with no local stars providing a boost, Schumacher is one of a handful of recognizable names. He said it was an “honor” for him to have many fans here.

“They can be sure that I will do everything possible to show them a good race,” Schumacher said. 

(Yonhap News)