MEDIA 

BAR to announce signing Ralf in Hungary?

Friday, August 7, 1998 
The  German  newspaper Bilt reveals this morning that negotiations between Formula One team BAR and  Jordan  driver Ralf Schumacher have ended successfully,  a contract has  been prepared and all that is left is for Ralf Schumacher to sign  it. 

 
The paper further  reports  that BAR is hoping to announce Ralf's  recruitment  at  the next  Grand Prix in Hungary. 
According  to  the  German  paper,  23 years  old Schumacher is  offered a  2-year  deal  with  the team,  with  a  third  year  option.  He  will  get 6 Million DM (approximately  3.4  million US$)  for the first  year, and 8 million DM  (approximately 4.5 million US$) for the second year. The paper also  reveals  that  the   contract   ensures   Ralf Schumacher  an  equal  status  to  BAR's already signed driver, current World  Champion Jacques Villeneuve. 
The   paper   quotes   BAR  team  manager,  Craig Pollock, as saying that he wants Ralf Schumacher because  he is impressed  with  the  progress  the Jordan  driver  made  this year, but also because he  is  appealing  to  German  fans  and sponsors.  Young Schumacher himself, however, is reported to be hesitant. He says  he is  satisfied  with  his current  team,  Jordan,  but  also says he is sure BAR  will  succeed  very  fast.