Ralf confidentof extension at Williams

RALF SCHUMACHER is confident of retaining his drive with the Williams Formula One team until 2006 once his current deal ends at the end of 2004, the German driver said last night.

“I think we can presume that there will be an extension but there are some points to be discussed,” said Schumacher.

The driver was talking on the same day his manager Willi Weber was forced to deny a report in yesterday’s Sport-Bild that Schumacher must take a $3m cut in his $15m annual salary.

Schumacher also said he should be fit to resume racing at the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis on September 28 having being forced to miss the last round at Monza through injury.

Hyundai have dealt the World Rally Championship a blow by revealing they will pull out of the sport at the end of this season.

The Korean manufacturer has struggled so far this season and they languish sixth and last in the standings.

Hyundai have responded to that disappointment by pulling the plug on their World Rally operation, although they intend to return to competition midway through 2006.