25/09/2007
NEWS STORY
Still unsure as to whether he has a seat for 2008, Ralf Schumacher has admitted that 2007 has been a difficult year, though he remains confident that he'll land a berth for next season.
"To call it a tough year is a very nice description of it," the German told Reuters. "I just want to finish off the season.
"It's true I have been talking to other teams," he admitted. "I won't be more specific than that, right now I want to get the last few races over with."
Best result for Schumacher this year was sixth in Hungary, which if nothing else ended speculation that he was to be dropped before the end of the season. However, in the last couple of races the German has barely figured, whilst in two successive races, following the Hungary points finish, he failed to make it past the first phase of qualifying.
"When I joined Toyota I knew it was a very big task but it has not developed the way we expected," he admitted. "To be honest, things just haven't happened. We expected points and podiums but we didn't make it. Still, the possibility is there and anything can change in Formula One."
Asked if he remains confident of a (leading) F1 drive next season, Schumacher, who according to Formula Money, is the third highest paid driver in F1 ($20m), said: "Oh yeah, very. It won't be too difficult. I've been in the sport a long time and people know me. I'm still pretty good at it, so it's not a problem."