Ralf splits with manager Weber

Ralf Schumacher has split with manager Willi Weber, the man who masterminded his and older brother Michael's paths to F1.

"Willi Weber and I have come to the decision not to extend our co-operation and not discuss the reasons for this in the media," the 30-year-old Toyota driver said.

Weber told Bild newspaper: "That's correct - Ralf and I have agreed to split. We simply could not find any common areas for working together in the future."

Weber, who negotiated the future seven times world champion Michael's grand prix debut with Jordan in 1991, has also been Ralf's manager since 1993.

Michael Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm said Weber would remain the Ferrari driver's manager.

The Bavarian has negotiated hugely lucrative deals on behalf of both brothers over the past decade and made himself very wealthy in the process.

According to Forbes Magazine, Michael Schumacher earned $80 million in 2004 as the world's second highest paid sportsman behind golfer Tiger Woods.

It said Ralf was earning $16 million before his move to Germany-based Toyota from Williams this year raised his wages even further.

¤ Two times Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen has signed up for a second season in the German DTM touring car championship after coming out of retirement this year. Mercedes said yesterday that the 37-year-old Finn, who finished the season fifth overall, had extended his contract.