Ralf Schumacher�s representative, Willi Webber, has said to the German newspaper Bild that the latest talks with the Anglo-German team took place in the middle of November. Then the agreement seemed very close, but now it is not so clear. The driver has a contract until the end of 2004 and Frank Williams� team seems ready to pay to him between 7 million and 9 million euros starting next season, in addition to important incentives to win races or to be World Champion.

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The German, who has won six GP�s in his Formula 1 career, hopes to earn a minimum of 12 million euros per year. "There are internal questions I cannot speak about. I am not totally satisfied with some aspects of the contract and for that reason we will continue to talk" the smaller of the Schumachers has said. He denies that economic reasons are the main blocking points.

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"We are not under any pressure. Ralf belongs to the group of elite drivers and we have other options. If the conditions with Williams are not the best, we will not sign" added Willi Webber. The logical thing would be for both parties to reach an agreement. Williams uses BMW engines and it is convenient to have a German driver in the team. Ralf, on the other hand, could be the top driver in the team when Juan Pablo Montoya leaves for McLaren.