Germany’s seven-time formula-one champion Michael Schumacher refused on Monday to quash speculation that he has met McLaren sporting chief Norbert Haug to discuss a possible move from Ferrari.
A report in daily Bild, the country’s most popular newspaper, claimed the 36-year-old Schumacher has twice held secret talks with Mercedes chief Haug and is angling for a move from Italian team Ferrari.
”I do not want to discuss the rumours about me leaving Ferrari,” Schumacher said on his website. ”Everyone knows how strong the connection between Ferrari and myself is.”
Schumacher is third in the formula-one standings, 40 points behind Spanish leader Fernando Alonso, and has shown signs of frustration at the team’s lack of competitiveness this season.
The 52-year-old Haug confirmed that he met Schumacher but claimed it was not to entice the driver to McLaren.
”It is true that we met but only to speak about the future of formula one,” said Haug. ”I do not think he will be leaving Ferrari.”
Schumacher has been at Ferrari since 1996, winning five formula-one crowns for the team, and is contracted until 2006, when he is expected to announce his retirement from the sport. — Sapa-AFP