Toyota increases Webber bid

Schumacher is convalescing at home in Austria following his 165mph crash in the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis, during which he recorded a 78g impact that left him with concussion and two fractured vertabrae. In case he does not start next season on top form, as this was his second high-speed crash in two years, Toyota is anxious to line up another star driver.

Autosport understands that Toyota management held further talks with Webber's manager, Renault chief Flavio Briatore, at Magny-Cours last weekend. The Australian has admitted that he has several options for next year, and hinted that a lot would depend on Toyota's long-term potential.

"It's not a decision for tomorrow - it's a decision for how they are going to cope with the new changes, how they are going to cope with regulations and all sorts of things," said Webber. "So there's a few teams in the ring, for sure. I'm not blasé about it. We are gathering as much information as we can to see what is best for my career."

Webber's decision is key to the driver market, which has already been kick-started by Schumacher's move from Williams to Toyota and Juan Pablo Montoya's impending switch from Williams to McLaren.

Toyota driver Olivier Panis has been linked with a switch to Williams, while his vast experience would also likely benefit Jaguar, which would require a Webber replacement. David Coulthard is also high on Jaguar's list, as is Anthony Davidson and McLaren tester Alexander Wurz. Christian Klien is not expected to be retained as a race driver, unless his form improves in upcoming races.