Ralf and Williams renew contract?

According to reports in the German press, Ralf Schumacher has renewed his contract with Williams for a further two years after his current agreement expires at the end of 2004. Schumacher has not commented on the reports, which say he accepted a ...

According to reports in the German press, Ralf Schumacher has renewed his contract with Williams for a further two years after his current agreement expires at the end of 2004. Schumacher has not commented on the reports, which say he accepted a salary drop but the new deal includes performance-related bonuses.

Ralf Schumacher and Mario Theissen.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

A spokesperson for Williams was non-committal: "We cannot confirm the agreement with Ralf Schumacher," was the comment, according to SID news. "We are satisfied with his performances and we want to continue with him but there is no urgency." BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said the reports were speculation.

Meanwhile, teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, who like Schumacher is currently contracted to Williams until the end of 2004, has admitted to talks with other teams regarding his future come 2005. As Montoya says, he will be a 'free agent' and team boss Frank Williams said he has no idea what the Colombian will do once his contract expires.

According to the Colombian media, Montoya has already signed a contract with McLaren from 2005, a deal which includes an increase on his salary with Williams. Kimi Raikkonen is under long term contract with McLaren while the team has an option for David Coulthard next year.

McLaren is expected to announce its 2004 driver line up at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend -- Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug said at Hockenheim to not expect any surprises for next season. As for 2005, we'll just have to wait and see.