Although he wasn't even at Silverstone, he was at home recovering from his horrific Indianapolis crash, Ralf Schumacher was one of the hot topics in the British Grand Prix paddock.

Will he return to WilliamsF1 before the season is over, will he return to F1 at all, who will replace him, how much is Toyota paying him? These and many more questions were being asked.

One man who was constantly being asked his opinion, was BMW Motorsport boss, Mario Theissen, who eventually chose to put the record straight.

"Ralf will leave the team at the end of the 2004 season, so it comes as no surprise that there was a lot of interest and curiosity with regards our reactions to this decision," he admitted.

"While the drivers of other teams are often replaced after one just year, Ralf will have been a BMW WilliamsF1 Team driver for six years, when the 2004 season is over. As I see it, it is appropriate to talk about loyalty in such a case. After such a long time it's totally normal that a driver thinks about moving to another team.

"After long lasting and intense negotiations between Frank Williams and Ralf, both sides decided not to extend the contract. When both parties are keen on looking for a new challenge, it doesn't make sense if you try to enforce a further cooperation that none of the involved parties seems to be interested in.

"We have been permanently informed regarding the negotiations, therefore, the announcement hasn't come as a surprise. At the end of the day, Frank Williams is our negotiator when it comes to signing a driver. Just as in all other areas, the responsibilities in this area are also clearly assigned. This is a reasonable solution that won't be changed.

"In the past few years, Ralf has contributed far more to the development of the car, and thus to our successes, than you can realise if you aren't a team insider. And I am convinced that Ralf will work for us and remain as motivated when he has recovered and is ready to return behind the wheel. He will be keen on using any possible chance to prove that he has fully recovered from the Indianapolis accident.

"Basically, the situation is the same for both Ralf and Juan Pablo, drivers and team have the same goal, to achieve the best possible result at every Grand Prix weekend."