In an interview with local television he said: "Essentially the team's continuity is a major factor. We want to work with the same drivers, they know the car, the engine, and the team. I think Williams has to keep both drivers, Ralf Schumacher, and Juan Pablo Montoya."

These comments were backed up by Ralf's manger who had previously said, in an interview on Ralf's personal web site: "I'd like Ralf to stay on a further two years with Williams, but the decision's Frank Williams. If Frank decides to look for a new driver then I'll have to find another top team for Ralf."

But the lacklustre performances of Ralf in the opening races of 2003 has seen his future with the team come under question. It has been reported that Ralf was notified by team principals Frank Williams and Patrick Head that he must improve his performances.

It was reported to the British media from a source inside WilliamsF1 that: "At the moment Frank and Patrick do not feel Ralf is giving them value for money and told him so in no uncertain terms in the letter they sent him."

"They know what Ralf is capable of and they are anxious for him to start performing at that level. They want him to pull his finger out and race at the front."

Ralf has admitted that he needs to improve certain aspects of the race weekends. He said: "I know I must improve in qualifying because managing to get the best possible set-up of my car in a very short time has always been one of my strengths. It is important to qualify well because the new rules mean a lot can happen during the race and I cannot always rely on the chance of coming up through the field."

One factor that plays a role in Ralf's possible future with the WilliamsF1 team is substantial salary that he is on, in comparison to his team-mate Montoya. If Ralf wants to continue with the team and in turn maintain his current level of remuneration then he must improve his performances substantially.

Despite the reports that he is far from happy with Ralf's performances so far in 2003 Frank Williams has showed understanding of Ralf's problems. Williams said: "The car is a bit difficult to set up. When it's quick, it's way quick but when it's not so finely balanced it is quite difficult to drive. Maybe the pressure is difficult. Ralf's in a very tough situation but he can handle it. It's just that it's not working for him at the moment."