Future Champ Signing

RALFANATOR · 31 May 2001, 11:20 (Ref:99241)

May 31: Ralf Schumacher is reportedly on the verge of extending his contract with WilliamsF1
Wili Weber, who manages both Schumacher brothers said yesterday that they are currently negotiating a ‘long-term’ deal with Frank Williams. In a similar deal to that which Michael signed recently with Ferrari, Weber has said that Ralf is ready to commit himself to his current team for the foreseeable future.

Weber told RTL that he believes a contract extension would put Ralf in the position to fight for the world title.

"I believe that continuity is incredibly important if you want to be successful - be it a team or a driver,” he said.

“The times when drivers used to change teams every two or three years and start from the ground up, are over. I am certain that BMW-Williams will be a position next year to win several races and I think they will be a contender for the title. It is just a question of whether they can win the title in 2002 or 2003."

This could cause problems for Jenson Button, who has voiced his desire to return to the Grove team once his two year loan to Benetton expires, as Colombian Juan-Pablo Montoya is also thought to have a reasonably long term contract with WilliamsF1.

Looks like Ralf will be with BMW for the long haul but it really didn't suprize me
Greman driver in a German engine car I'am sure that what they wanted form the outset
GO RALF!!!!!!!!

but what will happen to the spare seat JPM/BUTTON?

**Peter Mallett** · 31 May 2001, 11:26 (Ref:99242)

I'm not going to comment on the JPM/Button scenario.

But it's a sign of the respect that Sir Frank has for Ralf that he's even thinking of this (if its true). Sir Frank has made it clear on many ocaissions that he runs the team not engine partners or sponsors and to that extent he's probably right. Frank and Patrick make the decisions so I don't think the BMW connection really matters in this case.

Moff will be pleased to hear this.

RALFANATOR · 31 May 2001, 11:38 (Ref:99255)

toally agree wiyh you I was being very PC for Moffat
I think the respect between FRANK , PATRICK ,RALF would be main factor in the deal plus Ralf has come of age in his driving since his been with WILLAMS

Maxmil · 31 May 2001, 12:12 (Ref:99269)

I think it is a good move for Ralf and for the team. With McLaren in disarray, Williams should be the up and coming team. It gives them a top ranked driver, and Ralf gets a top ranked team. Next year could be the Schumacher family brawl. I also think Button will have the edge for the second seat if Juan Paplo doesn't get his act together pretty quickly and score some points. Actually, if he percieves that Ralf is a numero uno, he may want to move on anyway. He is a hungry boy.

**Bononi** · 31 May 2001, 13:30 (Ref:99299)

JPM and RS staying, so Button will be the Test driver ?

Or Sir Frank is going to borrow him to Ferrari ?

EERO · 31 May 2001, 17:50 (Ref:99390)

This is great for both Ralf and Williams! RS's commitment and dedication have been apparent since he arrived at Williams and I think he's lining up to take the Big One in 2002 or 2003.

Would some one check Moffat's pulse please?

JeremySmith · 31 May 2001, 18:37 (Ref:99416)

Quote:

Originally posted by Bononi
JPM and RS staying, so Button will be the Test driver ?

Or Sir Frank is going to borrow him to Ferrari ?

No I don't think we will see Button as anyones test driver..As Maxmill said If Montoya get's wind(and he will) that Ralf is #1 driver at Williams he will want to move on...Montoya's ego will not be able to deal with that reality..Also if he does not clean up his act Williams will pull Button Back..Remember Ralf likes Jenson a lot, and there is NO love lost between Montoya and Ralf.

Ed G · 31 May 2001, 19:29 (Ref:99433)

Williams is a pretty impartial team with no favouritism. JPM will know that it is up to him to drive as best he can if he wants to win the WDC. With the chance that McLaren lose Newey to Jaguar, and without wanting to be TGf's 'little buddy' JPM has to stay with Williams if he wants a shot at the WDC.

Same goes for Ralf, he is making a good move by signing on till 2004 and gives him the best chance at the WDC also.

I think the two of them will be there for a while... they may not be friends but they will both drive fast. Someday we may look back on the next few years with these two and compare them to the Senna/Prost years at McLaren.

Dino IV · 31 May 2001, 20:41 (Ref:99454)

Well there's at least some hope: JPM already has a long term contract with Williams, Ralf's one is still expiring and not elongated yet. Same goes for Mika and DC, the rumours of elongation are there but still not actually signed.

A source of ambivalent emotions on this one I guess.

On the negative side: F1 is getting a bit of a mockery isn't it? Every driver, except the Colombian rookie, of the teams Big Three have served for multiple years and every time they get their contract elongated. This static and conservative policy is causing really awesome talents to slowly rot away and count the years get by and see retirement get nearer. In example Trulli and Fisichella for instance are IMO Top 3 drivers in F1 and by most fans probably Top 5. But they don't run in any of the Top 6 cars and with all the current contract elongations it's obvious they won't in the next few years either. And that's really a pity as it keeps modern F1 down with very little superstars for the masses and very few things actually happening up front. And me a bit frustrated about it.

On the positive side: if Ralf would have appealed to the Ford-dollars to leap into the Jag, me and mr. Moffat would have never witnessed the total destruction of der Ralf when the Boy Juander takes the 2002 crown. And some people's sore faces when the humble pies turn up.

Total-F1 · 31 May 2001, 21:22 (Ref:99477)

Patrick Head much prefers Montoya and Button as drivers, and I would be surprised if Schumi jr. signed a long-term contract...I think he may go off to McLaren if DC signs to Jordan when Trulli goes to Benetton and Fisichella to Arrows...

Airhead · 31 May 2001, 21:49 (Ref:99496)

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter Mallett
I'm going to agree with Moffat.

But it's a sign of the stupidity of Sir Frank that he's even thinking of this (if its true). Sir Frank has made it clear on many ocaissions that he runs the team not engine partners or sponsors and to that extent he's probably right. Frank and Patrick make the most idiotic decision hiring Ralf so I don't think the BMW connection really matters in this case.

Moff will be pleased to hear this.

I was too Peter,

I have also read Dino's post and agree wholeheartedly. Frank and Patrick are fools to think Ralf will come good. Get him out of there and lets try someone deserving (and new).

**Peter Mallett** · 1 Jun 2001, 02:04 (Ref:99568)

Quote:

Originally posted by AMoffat

I was too Peter,

I have also read Dino's post and disagree wholeheartedly. Frank and Patrick are fools to think Ralf won't come good. Get Montoya out of there and lets try someone deserving (Button).

Airhead · 1 Jun 2001, 02:39 (Ref:99577)

this could go on forever!

**Peter Mallett** · 1 Jun 2001, 02:48 (Ref:99578)

Quote:

Originally posted by AMoffat

this could go on forever!

Yep.

**Bononi** · 1 Jun 2001, 12:12 (Ref:99723)

Quote:

Originally posted by Jersound

Remember Ralf likes Jenson a lot, and there is NO love lost between Montoya and Ralf.

This looks like a soap opera.

What kind of love could exist between Ralf and Button ?

Airhead · 1 Jun 2001, 12:16 (Ref:99725)

Quote:

Originally posted by Bononi

This looks like a soap opera.

What kind of love could exist between Ralf and Button ?

If Ralfie is involved something truely sick indeed.

Wrex · 1 Jun 2001, 12:18 (Ref:99727)

Your a sick man indeed Moff

**Peter Mallett** · 1 Jun 2001, 12:19 (Ref:99730)

Did somebody mention soap?

**Bononi** · 1 Jun 2001, 13:44 (Ref:99751)

Speed · 1 Jun 2001, 15:54 (Ref:99803)

Who says JPM will be out of Williams ???.... Hey guys, Montoya is a better racer than Mr. Ralf and Mr Jenson. No doubt about it.

This is the-rookie-getting-data year for him... (close to win Interlagos, so far...). Next season, Ralf will be known as the 2nd Williams' driver, put that in the Bank !, and I really don't know what Button will do with his career...

**Bononi** · 1 Jun 2001, 16:00 (Ref:99805)

Aren't we talking about Ralfie's lover ?

JPM too ?

Ralf's Girl · 1 Jun 2001, 16:36 (Ref:99819)

I would expect Button to be the one left out of all this. If Ralf extends his contract (we know Moff is happy about it really

), I wouldn't expect JPM to be going anywhere because Sir Frank knows he has two of the best future WDCs in his team (I won't be surprised if Moff quotes me and changes my words there...) and JPM already seems to be more proven than Button was because of his podium and the fact that he's already led a race.

So if one driver loses out, my guess would go to Button.

**Bononi** · 1 Jun 2001, 21:57 (Ref:99991)

Ditto.

Again... and where's our little button will be fit ???

Ed G · 2 Jun 2001, 02:26 (Ref:100048)

Quote:

Originally posted by Bononi
Ditto.

Again... and where's our little button will be fit ???

I hear there is a green team looking for a test driver... could learn a bit about the playboy life from Irve then come back and take Eddie's seat in 2003.

**Bononi** · 2 Jun 2001, 07:49 (Ref:100078)

Coool !!!!

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