Ralf Schumacher has all but agreed to join Renault after negotiations over a new contract at Williams faltered, according to his manager.
Schumacher, younger brother of six-time world champion Michael, has been with Williams since 1999 but has so far been unable to agree an extension to that stay. Money is believed to be the primary stumbling block and Schumacher's manager Willi Weber has admitted he is looking at options away from Williams, revealing an agreement with Renault boss Flavio Briatore is close.
He told German newspaper Bild: "We are in agreement with Briatore and a contract is purely a formality. In Bahrain (on April 4th) we will have a last meeting with Frank Williams. If we cannot agree Ralf will leave. Ralf is not compelled to stay."
Should Schumacher, who has won six grands prix, join Renault he is likely to partner Spaniard Fernando Alonso. Alonso is tipped as Formula One's next superstar and has a long-term agreement with Briatore, whose talks with Schumacher would seem to leave Jarno Trulli's future with the team uncertain.