Ralf's contract talks hit trouble

Ralf Schumacher has admitted that his negotiations with Williams over a contract extension for 2005 have stalled

Dec 8, 2003, 11:42 AM

The German has driven for the BMW-powered team since 1999, but reports in the German media suggest that he is upset with the number of personal sponsors he would be allowed under a new deal.

"These are internal matters that I cannot discuss," said Schumacher. "I am not totally satisfied and that's why it's still going on. It's not about the money but there are things that still have to be cleared."

Wili Weber, Schumacher's manager, has insisted that his charge will leave Williams if the situation is not resolved.

"There are other quick cars around," he told German newspaper Bild. "If the conditions are not right then we will simply not sign. It's not as if Ralf will be sitting on the street."

Williams already knows that one of its current drivers will be leaving for 2005, with Juan Pablo Montoya having announced that he will switch to McLaren.