Formula One: If the continually echoing rumours linking Ralf Schumacher with a move to Toyota in 2005 prove true, it will a transfer that can't come soon enough for the German.
With Williams technical director Patrick Head reportedly claiming Schumacher hasn't been fit to drive since an accident at Monza last year, with others in his team questioning his competitive worth and with relations with team boss Frank Williams soured via rancorous contract negotiations, Schumacher has seen a promising start to a season dissolve into abject failure.
And yesterday in Monaco, the German's engine blew in first practice for this Sunday's grand prix, a mishap that will, after his team were forced to replace the powerplant, demote the German 10 places on the grid.
It was a better day for the 28-year-old's brother Michael, who topped the timesheets in both of yesterday's sessions, finishing seven tenths ahead of BAR's Takuma Sato in the morning and four tenths in front of BAR tester Anthony Davidson in the afternoon.
Beyond the BAR's, Schumacher's closest rivals were team mate Rubens Barrichello, half a second adrift, and Renault's Jarno Trulli, seven tenths behind Schumacher.
Of Jordan's trio, Giorgio Pantano was 16th of 24 cars, 2.5 seconds behind Schumacher. Tester Timo Glock finished in 18th with Nick Heidfeld one place further back.
