Weber wants Ralf to stay at Williams

Weber also launched an outspoken assault on the criticism that has been levelled at Ralf and Michael Schumacher after the struggles experienced by both in the first two races of the season.

"Ralf is definitely a world champion of the future," Weber told the Sunday Mirror. "It's just that, like any driver, he needs the equipment. Hopefully that will come.

"It is not true that we have targeted Toyota. I would like Ralf to stay with Williams for another two years, but that is for Frank Williams to decide. If Frank chooses to bring in another driver I have to look for another top team for Ralf and there are not many. McLaren is obviously one and Toyota is, I think, a team for the future."

Weber also hit back at the criticism of Michael Schumacher that followed the Malaysian Grand Prix, where he hit Jarno Trulli at the first corner. Weber said: "People are saying so many things about Michael that are not true. He is not feeling any pressure. He made a mistake in Malaysia. End of story.

"He is still the best driver in the world. And he has the best team and the best car. The best way he can answer his critics is to win in Brazil and then everybody will be saying again that Michael is the king."