Grapevine: Ralf Plays Down Toyota Rumours

German Ralf Schumacher has played down rumours linking him with a move to the Toyota team after his contract with Williams expires.

The Sport-Bild magazine had linked the 27-year old driver, who has been working for the Williams team since the 1999 season, with Japanese squad Toyota. Schumacher, the younger brother of World Champion Michael, has a contract with Williams that will expire at the end of next year.

The Williams driver said, however, that he is only thinking about his current team, although he did not rule out looking elsewhere once his contract with the Grove-based outfit expires.

"I can only say that at the moment I'm not worried about these things because my main priority is to develop and improve our new car so we can win races and maybe the Championship. That is difficult enough," the younger Schumacher said on his official website.

"Therefore all my energy belongs to the Williams team until the end 2004. I will keep my eyes and ears open, and then Toyota could be taken into consideration."