Ralf to Renault in 2005?

The latest twist in the Ralf Schumacher and Williams saga is Ralf's manager, Willi Weber, claiming the 28 year-old German will sign with Renault for 2005. Negotiations between Schumacher and Williams have repeatedly stalled over the past few months, with money being one of the main bones of contention.

Ralf Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

Weber has been quoted by German tabloid Bild as saying a deal has already been hammered out with Renault boss Flavio Briatore. "Every point of the contract has already been agreed," he reportedly said. "The signing of the contract is now a mere formality."

Schumacher recently expressed disappointment that his contract with Williams had repeatedly failed to be agreed upon, and said he had given up caring about what happened next year.

"I'm sure Frank Williams has his reasons for taking all these decisions over the last few months," he told the Guardian. "But I don't really understand them. I don't care about next year any more. Everything depends on this season. I hope to stay at Williams, but you never know exactly what will happen in formula one."

Whether a deal between Schumacher and Renault is going to be signed or not, Ralf staying with Williams seems less and less likely as time goes on. 2005 could well see an all new driver line up for the Grove squad.