Ralf stops contract talks with Williams.

Ralf Schumacher has stopped contract negotiations with the BMW WilliamsF1 team for 2005.

Ralf, whose current deal with the team expires at the end of this year has been holding out for a significant pay increase - one Williams, are yet to agree to.

Speaking to British newspaper, The Sun, the German said: "I decided to stop talks because they were lasting too long and I wanted to focus on my driving.

"Right now I thank BMW-Williams. But if we can't find a way to continue together, I'll start looking for another cockpit. But that's further down the road."

Ralf has been with Williams since 1999, it is believed he wants ?10-15 million per year from 2005, whereas the Oxfordshire based squad want to pay him less, with the rest subject to performance.

According to the tabloid newspaper, a source close to team boss, Sir Frank Williams said: "Frank detests anyone trying to hold a gun to his head when it comes to negotiating a new contract.

"The chance of winning a world title in one of his cars should be incentive enough.

"Frank regrets being pushed into Ralf's current deal because he would much rather use the cash to help develop his cars. We don't have a limitless supply of funds."

If Ralf does leave Williams, a number of drivers have already been linked to what will be two vacant seats in 2005 [after Juan Pablo Montoya signed for McLaren]. Those currently said to be in with a chance are Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Williams' third driver, Marc Gene.