Ralf wants to stay at WilliamsF1


By Andrew Hooper
March 23 2004

   
Ralf wants to stay
 
The recent speculation regarding an extension to Ralf Schumacher's contract with the BMW WilliamsF1 team now seems to have Ralf staying with the team, after comments from his manager Willi Weber indicated that Ralf wants to stay with the WilliamsF1 team.

Weber said: "It looks very good that we come together (do a deal), it just takes a little bit of time because it's a situation where you cannot say yes or no immediately," he said.

As for the rumours that Ralf and the WilliamsF1 team were stuck on the issue of money, Weber denied this.

Weber added: "It's not true. Fact is that we lose some money from what we earn this year. It's not lost, but the fixed payment will be reduced.

"The bonus point is that if Ralf is doing well, gets on the podium or wins races, then the money increases and will be the same as what we have now.

"It is not the case that we talk about money. It is sorted out."

These comments from Weber are just another round in the on-going contract negotiations that have been taking place. But is the WilliamsF1 team getting frustrated with the series of announcements that have Ralf moving to teams such as Renault and Toyota.

Weber clarified this situation by saying that he had not spoken with these teams because Ralf wants to stay with the WilliamsF1 tea.

Webber said: "I read this in the newspaper, I have never spoken with them. I just read in the paper that they are interested in making some offer. Fact is that I have not spoken with Toyota and Renault about Ralf because again we want to stay in the team.

"Williams are the main choice and we are discussing with Frank Williams."

"We had a small meeting (on Saturday) and I can say it was very good, so it looks always better. I want to stay with the team, Ralf also and I think that's the story."

 
 
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