One such driver is McLaren's David Coulthard who, in a recent interview for Motorsport news, said that it was widely accepted that Ralf would be driving for Toyota in 2005.

In regard to Ralf's move Coulthard said: ''It just hasn't been announced ... [but] I don't know one hundred percent.''

Other sources have stated that Ralf has "concluded successful negotiations" with Toyota and all that is left to do is for his salary terms to be approved.

From the point of view of the WilliamsF1 team it has been announced that the team would most likely make an announcement regarding the 2005 driver line-up in August. WilliamsF1 Media Manager Liam Clogger was quoted as saying that the "immediate priority" was not on drivers but on improving the performance of the 2004 FW26.

He added: ''This will be the biggest single incentive to securing a competitive driver line-up for next season and beyond.''

''We're waiting for [Ralf's position] to clear up. 'We don't know if we're looking at one seat [to fill] or two.

In respect of drivers that the team had in mind to replace either Juan Pablo, who leaves the team at the end of 2004, or both Juan Pablo and Ralf  Liam added: ''We're talking to lots of people just to see what their status is.''

There has even been speculation that ex BAR driver Jacques Villeneuve is trying to secure a drive with the team, even to the point that he is prepared to test for the team in 2004 to assist in developing the teams 2005 car. We wait to see the outcome of all reports.