No decision on Ralf due yet – Howett

(GMM) The European grand prix may be the closest race to Toyota's Cologne base, but team president John Howett on Friday ruled out announcing whether or not local driver Ralf Schumacher will retain his seat into 2008.

After a dreadful opening stanza to the season, 32-year-old Schumacher has shown signs of improvement in recent races, but Howett told the Cologne newspaper 'Express' that a decision for next year will only be taken later on.

"We must decide whether or not to extend his contract, and also it is important to know how Ralf feels in the team.

"What you need is a completely firm partnership — and perhaps Ralf will decide to go somewhere else," he said.

Howett dismissed as "rubbish", however, recent rumors that said Ralf only narrowly survived an ultimatum to up his game during F1's tour of North America.

"He has a 2007 contract, so he sits in our car at least until the end of the season. We stand by our drivers; we never criticized Ralf.

"The only question is what we do for the future."

Jarno Trulli is already signed up for 2008.