Ralf: No Hurry over New Contract

Ralf Schumacher is in no hurry to renew his contract with the Williams team, and said that he was not expecting to reach a deal with the British squad before the middle of next season.

"I'm not in a hurry [over the contract]. For sure we won't come to an agreement before the beginning or the middle of the season, but it's nothing to worry about," Schumacher told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"In 2004 I'll drive for BMW-Williams. After that we'll see."

The German driver, who has a contract with Williams until the end of the 2004 season, confirmed earlier this month that discussions with his team were difficult.

"These are internal matters over which I can't talk," he said. "I am not totally satisfied and that's why it's still going on."

Williams will lose Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya to the McLaren team at the end of 2004, and Schumacher played down suggestions that Canadian Jacques Villeneuve could return to the team to replace him.

"There are many rumours about the potential substitutes," Schumacher said. "Villeneuve? I can't believe that's a real possibility."