Ralf Contract Talks Stall

[juany 0]

http://www.planetf1.com/Home/story_13970.shtml according to that article at Planet F1, Ralf has stopped his contract negotiations with Willams.

"I decided to stop it because it was lasting too long and I wanted to focus on my driving," Ralf said.  

"Right now I think BMW-Williams but at the end of the day... if we can't find a way to continue together, I'll start looking for another c##Kpit but that's far down the road."

2 new drivers at Williams looks like a big possability at Williams for 2005 :!:

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

I find it hard to imagine a top team with both seats vacant, but if Ralf leaves to, for example, Toyota, then oh my will the silly season for 2005 be interesting! Imagine Webber and Button filling the seats, or Jacques, or Rosberg, or a whole truckload of excellent potentials!

Yet I still somehow think that Ralf will be able to finalise a deal with Williams. I think he wants to risk the deal on his driving and aim to drive a real good first few races to increase his value at the contract table. Then again, he could start the season off horribly...

[juany 0]

yeah, could be a big risk if he hopes he can increase his worth by putting in some stunners at the start of the season as it could all go horribly wrong

[nichosnz 0]

Proportionaly to budget, Williams are the tightest with driver salarys out of all the teams. So how much extra can he make his worth, he could easily price himself out of Williams, then have to settle with a lower team once he realises it is too late for a decent drive. Should he move at the end of the year it give Williams yet another opportunity to repeat 1988, 93 ,94 ,96, as they enter the season 04 with half of the likely title protaganists.

[marina 0]

I dont think Williams will pay Ralph any more money then they already paying now, and I read he is looking for a pay increase,therefore he will be leaving Williams at the end of 2004(unless he wins the title) and he will be going to Toyota,that is my guess.

[juany 0]

from what I hear, he is already on 12 mill and wants an 8 mill pay increase. :!:

If thats what he thinks he is worth, I doubt any team will be clammering to 'snap' him up.

[nichosnz 0]

That would make him the 2nd highest paid, pushing him past what Villeneuve (has been) earning.

[juany 0]

That would make him the 2nd highest paid, pushing him past what Villeneuve (has been) earning.

do you think teams think he is worth that much? I bet he is using the fact that Montoya wont be at Williams in 2005 as a crutch to assist his negotiations with Williams, though with Frank's history, I doubt he could care less. :wink:

[nojvnof1 0]

Sir Frank is pretty p**sed off with the amount RS is currently earning, so I have no doubt that he won't budge. I find it amazing that everyone moans and whinges about JV's salary at his time ate BARf, but noone says anything about how much Ralf earns, and how much of a pay rise he wants when he's done bugger all.

This is F1 after all though.

shaun