Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher has insisted that he is completely focused for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, despite questions over his future.

The seven-time champion has been left in limbo with regards to his Formula 1 career after it was announced that McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton will replace the German at Mercedes next season.

"My motivation is completely intact after the news last week, especially because Suzuka is one of the season's highlights for me," BBC Sport quotes Schumacher as saying.

"Logically, it would also be nice to achieve a sporting highlight this weekend, although my chances are of course very limited because of my grid penalty. But I've always approached these things as a challenge."

Meanwhile, McLaren's Jenson Button will head into the race in Japan with a five-place grid penalty due to an unscheduled gearbox change.