AFP (Agence France-Presse) reports that Eddie Jordan has decided to release Ralf Schumacher from any 1999 contractual obligations despite his earlier claims for agreed services, according to Willi Weber, Schumacher's manager.

Weber stated that Ralf is "free" and discussions with Jordan have terminated. Currently, negotiations with Williams for a four year contract are underway and Weber expects a decision to be made before or during the Grand Prix of Italy at Monza.

However, Jordan denied Weber's declaration, saying "Jordan Grand Prix refutes any allegations by Ralf Schumacher's manager that it has withdrawn from discussions over 1999." The team futher added that they will take any steps necessary to keep Schumacher. Jordan Claim that Eddie Jordan has an option on young Ralf Schumacher due to a letter of intent he signed, but weber insisted that Ralf is still a free agent. A court hearing on the matter is expected soon "We are making no statement," said a Jordon spokeswoman. "These reports are unconfirmed by the team."