Formula One news

Montagny pressure on Ralf

As Ralf Schumacher continues to struggle for form and his contract renewal with Toyota hangs in the balance the team's test driver Franck Montagny is being mentioned as a possible replacement.

"Really, you have to ask him but the fundamental issue is the front end of the car and the tyre grip at the front and getting the car balanced and giving enough front potential to give him something he can use with the style he has. We are gradually improving that," said Toyota chief John Howett about Ralf's poor form. 

When asked what Montagny's chances of a drive were, he added, "That probably depends on next year. We have two race drivers and he's the test driver and third driver in the team and that's the status that we support. The issue really is whether we continue the contract with Ralf next year, which we are discussing with him and obviously then, if not, what we would do in the future. But the priority at the moment is to focus on this year, improving the performance and giving Ralf the maximum opportunity with the car."

more news

• 06 Jul.
  • Dennis: Kovalainen's pole well deserved
  • Button prays for rain
  • Horner enjoys team's first front row
• 05 Jul.
  • Coulthard disappointed with eleventh
  • Fisichella missed out on Q2
  • Difficult qualifying session for Williams
  • Webber surprised to be in front row
  • Toyota missed out on top ten
  • Maiden pole position for Kovalainen
  • Live: British Grand Prix 1st free practice
  • Frank Williams glad British Grand Prix is saved
  • Alonso fastest at drying track
  • Photos: Saturday at Silverstone
• 04 Jul.
  • Alonso's engine problem didn't surprise the team
  • Photos: Friday at Silverstone
  • McLaren drivers happy with first day at Silverstone
  • Mixed day for Williams drivers
  • Clutch problems for Glock, new rear wing for Trulli
  • Steady start for Red Bull drivers
  • Donington pleased with F1 contract
  • Kovalainen fastest in the afternoon
  • British Grand Prix moves to Donington
  • Fastest time and heavy crash for Massa
  • British drivers will miss Coulthard
  • Batmobile challenges Glock at Silverstone
• 03 Jul.
  • Webber extends Red Bull contract
  • Horner will miss good friend and gentleman Coulthard
  • Coulthard to retire at end of season
  • New at GPUpdate.net: Live reports
  • Photos: Thursday at Silverstone
  • Massa targets British podium
  • Raikkonen to use new engine
  • Ecclestone leaves door open for British Grand Prix
• 02 Jul.
  • Singapore Grand Prix to build 1,600 extra seats
  • Webber: We cannot afford to lose Silverstone too
  • Sutil expects step forward
• 01 Jul.
  • Fisichella doing fine after heavy crash
  • Toro Rosso happy with its current drivers
  • Toyota joins forces with Batman
  • Coulthard optimistic for second half of the year

Homepage