Weber calls for new Williams deal for Ralf
Ralf Schumacher's manager, Willi Weber, has moved to dampen speculation about the German's future at BMW WilliamsF1, saying that the younger brother of world champion Michael should remain with the team until the end of 2006
Rumours have suggested that Schumacher would be replaced at Williams when his contract expires at the end of 2004. Brazilian Grand Prix winner Giancarlo Fisichella has been linked to the drive while Ralf has been connected to a berth at Toyota, but Weber has denied approaching any other teams.
"Ralf should stay where he is and sign for BMW Williams for another two years," Weber told German news agency SID.
The manager also denied that he had approached other teams about a drive for the German. "Of course you have to consider several options but I never negotiated with Mercedes or Toyota because I believe Williams is the best team there is for him," he added.
Weber also commented about Michael Schumacher's new contract with Ferrari, which runs until the end of 2006. He revealed that Schumacher is not receiving a pay-rise in the new deal, but also believes that Schumacher is now certain to retire at the end of 2006.
"At the end of 2006 Formula 1 will be over for him," said Weber. "At least that's what I expect. In January 2007 he will be 38. Then he will be able to say quietly: 'That was it for me in Formula 1.'
"The conditions are the same as for the current contract. He didn't get a pay rise and he didn't get a pay cut. There is no clause allowing him to get out. Sport was the important factor for Michael, not money."
Share Or Save This Story
What is it like being a Williams F1 simulator driver?
Piastri slams "unacceptable" Sainz blue-flag incident, accepts McLaren strategy in Hungarian GP
Why Williams is still feeling the weight of expectation
How F1 learned to grow without growing
Clark, Senna, Antonelli – How the grand chelem age record evolved
Why Aston Martin is a better destination on the F1 driver market than it seems
What is it like being a Williams F1 simulator driver?
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments