Ralf saga rumbles on

The ongoing saga of whether Ralf Schumacher will stay at Williams after this season shows no sign of abating. Willi Weber, manager to both Schumacher brothers, was recently quoted by the German press as saying a deal with Renault was all but signed. Renault boss Flavio Briatore promptly denied it and now Weber is claiming he never said any such thing.

Ralf Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

Toyota is the other team interested in Ralf but Weber also denies any talks with the German based squad, despite having been quoted on more than one occasion as saying he had. "I have never spoken to them," Weber told Reuters in regard to Renault. "Fact is, I have not spoken with Toyota and Renault about Ralf because we want to stay in the team (Williams)."

Weber must be very frustrated at being constantly misquoted; perhaps it would be better if he never said anything at all. However -- if he's not being misquoted, taken out of context, or in any other way misinterpreted -- the latest from the man is that talks with Williams are still active.

A performance related contract is being discussed, with Ralf's flat rate being set at a lower amount. "The fixed payment will be reduced. If Ralf gets on the podium or wins, the money increases," said Weber, who believes that with good results next year, Ralf could equal his current salary.

"Williams are the main choice. We had a small meeting on Saturday (in Malaysia) and I can say it was very good," Weber added, although there are more talks to come. "I don't want to say it's a deadline after Bahrain. Even after Hungary (August) is enough time. Ralf wants to stay and I think that's the story."

Despite this, other reports indicate that a contract between Ralf and Toyota is ready to be signed. But of course, Weber -- unless he's been misquoted, etc etc -- has never spoken to Toyota, so that's impossible, right?

Hot on the heels of this rumour is another that has Mark Webber definitely moving to Williams next season. Of course, Webber has always insisted, despite being flattered by Williams' interest, that he's staying put at Jaguar. Until someone can give Ferrari a run for its money, the off track events are the most entertaining things happening in F1 at the moment. Don't quote me on that.