Jordan Grand Prix have dispatched the first of the legal missives in the battle over Ralf Schumacher. Jordan believe they have Ralf under contract and if he leaves there will have to be compensation.

According to Der Spiegel, Jordan will have to receive £2 million to release the young German.

Willi Weber, manager to both the Schumacher brothers, is also believed to be looking for Ralf to be paid £2.5 million next year - a five times wage increase over his current position. Williams are a team known to put their resources into the cars - not the drivers. Coupled with Ralf's erratic performance to date he may not be seen as good value for money to the reigning World Champions.

Either way, Eddie Jordan will be keen not to have a re-run of Spa 1991 when Michael Schumacher escaped to Benetton through a contract loophole and went on to earn over £200 million, leaving Jordan uncompensated and out of pocket.