Ralf Frustrated by Slow Williams

Ralf Schumacher is frustrated Williams do not have a genuine chance of victory at Sunday's European Grand Prix, especially after winning there last year with teammate Juan Pablo Montoya placing second.

"Last year, it was possible to go for the win here," he told reporters on Saturday. "This year, we have to try to figure what to go for. We're simply not fast enough, but we knew that beforehand. It's clear we are struggling at the moment since our car hasn't developed enough."

Ralf was ninth fastest in Saturday's qualifying, one spot behind teammate Montoya.

"Ninth place is not where I expected to be, really," he added.

In the midst of negotiations for a contract next season, Ralf showed his frustration by snapping at a German reporter who asked why Montoya had beaten Ralf in qualifying so often this season.

"Did you ask him why I started in front of him seven times last season?" said Ralf who trails Montoya in the Drivers' Championship standings, lying seventh with 12 points compared to the 23 points for the fifth-placed Colombian.

"What angers me is that I'm not able to get the best out of the car."

Ralf won at the Nurburgring and at the French Grand Prix last season, ending up fourth in the Championship. This year, however, he has not finished higher than fifth - at the season opener in Australia.

He refused to discuss his contract negotiations with Williams or whether he will be moving to Toyota.

"I won't announce my decision until I know myself where I'll be driving next season," said Ralf, who has been at Williams since 1999.

He added he did not think changes at Williams this week would have any direct impact on his status even though Patrick Head, who has criticised Ralf, has been replaced as technical director by former race engineer Sam Michael.

"I don't think it will change my situation at all," Ralf said. "I didn't have any problem before, and I don't have any problems now."