Schumacher most wanted driver

Many people, whether a fan or not, would probably guess that Michael Schumacher is most likely to be at the top of any team's shopping list if Ferrari ever lose its grip on him. Williams technical director Patrick Head concedes that, although he is ...

Many people, whether a fan or not, would probably guess that Michael Schumacher is most likely to be at the top of any team's shopping list if Ferrari ever lose its grip on him. Williams technical director Patrick Head concedes that, although he is more than happy with Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya, naturally the world champion would be an offer not to be refused.

Michael Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"You'd have to say, and let's be honest about it, if every team was asked what driver they most wanted they would say Michael Schumacher," he told the British press. "They probably wouldn't want to pay his salary -- or couldn't afford to pay it -- or keep up with the car's developments he would expect. But the fact remains that everyone would want him."

"I am extremely happy with our two drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher and I wouldn't want to change them -- unless someone came along and said: 'Here's Michael'."

Schumacher senior's contract with Ferrari is due to expire at the end of 2004 and the team has already made an offer to secure his services in the future. Michael's manager Willi Weber, who also manages Ralf, said that Michael was not yet ready to discuss his plans.

It's been rumoured that Ferrari want the champ to take a pay cut -- but even a drop from his current reported ?25million would be too pricey for most other teams to consider. However, it's very hard to imagine Michael driving for anyone but Ferrari, even if such a situation arose.