Toyota F1 boss, John Howett, the man who brought Ralf Schumacher to the Cologne-based team, has dismissed rumours of a deal with Nick Heidfeld, claiming that the German is nothing special.

"Heidfeld is nothing more than a decent midfield driver," Howett is claimed to have told Sport Bild. "We would not improve ourselves by signing him."

When Schumacher was first signed to Toyota in 2004 there was widespread astonishment along the pitlane, not only at the vast pay-packet the German would be taking home, but the general view that he was no team leader and certainly not a potential championship winner. Nonetheless, the former Jordan and Williams driver has remained with the Japanese team ever since, his contract coming to an end this year.

With Jarno Trulli having signed a new deal, which despite his best efforts came nowhere near the fiscal agreement reached by Schumacher, it is highly unlikely that Toyota will want to retain the German for another season, yet there is speculation that this is exactly what might happen, much to the frustration of up and coming drivers and even former (Toyota) boss Norbert Kreyer, who claims Howett signed Schumacher purely because of his name.

Having previously shown a ruthless streak when it comes to its drivers, many are shocked that Toyota has opted to stick with the Schumacher/Trulli pairing for as long as it has, and find it inconceivable that the Japanese team will retain the line-up for a fourth year.

Pitpass hears that as part of its philosophy to move employees around the company, Howett could be moved elsewhere this year, which would also signal the end of Schumacher's hopes of retaining his seat, and at the same time give the green light to younger, hungrier, talent.