No deal before middle next year

By Andrew Hooper
December 22 2003

	No deal before middle next year
	Previous reports had the negotiations between Ralf Schumacher and the WilliamsF1 team stalled but Ralf has made it clear in reports in the Italian press that there is no hurry to renew his contract. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport Ralf said: "I'm not in a hurry [over the contract]. For sure we won't come to an agreement before the beginning or the middle of the season, but it's nothing to worry about. In 2004 I'll drive for BMW-Williams. After that we'll see." The process of finalising an extension of the contract between the WilliamsF1 team and Ralf has not been easy. Ralf said: "These are internal matters over which I can't talk. I am not totally satisfied and that's why it's still going on." As for suggestions that Jacques Villeneuve could return to the team to replace the soon to depart Juan Pablo Montoya Ralf added: "There are many rumours about the potential substitutes. Villeneuve? I can't believe that's a real possibility."