(ANSA) - Seven-time world Formula One champion Michael Schumacher has been offered a 40-million-euro contract to join McLaren-Mercedes, the German daily reported on Wednesday.
The German driver on Monday denied rumours he was thinking of leaving Ferrari because of his disappointing season.
"Everyone knows how closely linked Ferrari and I are. I won't even comment on the rumors about me leaving the team," the German driver said on his web site. Bild, however, quoted Schumacher's manager Willi Weber as saying: "If I'm negotiating a contract, I ask for more money, that's obvious."
According to Bild, Ferrari would be unable to match Mercedes' offer. Ferrari is owned by Fiat which is currently struggling out of a crisis, Bild said. On Monday, Bild said the the current world champion has
met twice recently with Mercedes motor sports chief Norbert Haug. Haug told Bild he and Schumacher had met but only to discuss general Formula One affairs. "I think it's unlikely he'll leave Ferrari," Haug added.
Schumacher was forced to drop out of the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday after a collision with Mark Webber's Williams. The driver's contract with Ferrari expires at the end of the 2006 season. Until now he has given no indication when he may retire, saying only that he will drive as long as he is motivated.
Schumacher has won the F1 championship for the last five years in a row. But he has won only one race this season, the US Grand Prix, which turned into a six-car event after the seven teams using Michelin tires pulled out before the start because their tires were not safe on the American track. Ferrari uses Bridgestone tires.
