Ralf Schumacher - a downward spiral that continues to get worse

Ralf Schumacher’s former manager says he was “shocked” by the Toyota driver’s performance in the recent Monaco grand prix.

The 31-year-old, who is currently the subject of wild speculation concerning his immediate future on the grid, hit a new low in 2007 when in Monte Carlo he was outqualified by a Spyker and then struggled to overtake the orange cars in the race.

But Willi Weber, who negotiated Ralf’s expiring $20m per-year Toyota contract before they split, told Bild newspaper: “He finds himself in a downward spiral that continues to get worse.

“Monaco shocked me — that he hung around behind (Christijan) Albers for so long, seeming to not be able to do anything about it.
“It is not the Ralf that I know.”

Ferrari expecting more in Montreal

After a disappointing Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari are looking forward to a return to form at this weekend’s Canadian race. The Italian team are certain that their heavy defeat in Monte Carlo was more down to luck than lack of pace, and are optimistic that in Montreal they will reduce McLaren’s 20-point lead in the championship.

“We believe we will have a strong package for this event,” Ferrari’s sporting director, Stefano Domenicali, told the team's official website. “There is no reason why we should not be able to fight for the win in Montreal after a weekend in Monaco where our performance did not accurately reflect our potential.”

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