Ralf Schumacher extends contract

Ralf Schumacher has extended his Williams contract until the end of the 2004 season, the team announced on Friday.

It extends his current deal to six years in total. He joined the British team from Jordan in 1999.

He said: "I am very happy that we have reached an agreement to extend our relationship. I'm looking forward to the continuation of our successful partnership with Williams BMW and believe we will meet our targets together."

Ralf, 25, has won twice this season, in San Marino - Williams's first win since 1997 -- and the last Grand Prix in Montreal two weeks ago.

Team owner Frank Williams said the move to extend the contract was a "very sound decision by the team which we are confident will be proven to be correct time and time again in the future.

"This signals our intention to continue the progress we have made together over the last two and a half years towards our world championship ambitions."

Ralf's brother, world champion Michael Schumacher, also extended his contract with Ferrari until 2004 before the Monaco Grand Prix last month.