Schumacher Jr on Spyker radar?

MUMBAI, September 4: With Indian businessman Vijay Mallya's takeover of the Spyker Formula One team virtually a formality, speculations have already started about what the drivers' line-up will be for 2008. Reports have mentioned the only Indian in F1, Narain Karthikeyan, as a possible candidate apart from rookie Karun Chandhok, who has another year left in the GP 2 Series. But another name is doing the rounds: that of Ralf Schumacher.The German, brother of seven-time champion Michael, currently behind the seat of the Toyota F1 TF107, is rumoured to be linked to Spyker F1 as one of the possible drivers for 2008. Ralf had once commented, that Mallya was a "good friend". Even Mallya acknowledges that their friendship goes a long way back and had brought the German to India for the Toyota car launch. It seems the friendship may go a step further. Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines has a $5 million-deal with Toyota which ends next year.Ralf, who has had a wretched season with Toyota, one of the big spenders in F1, may have to look elsewhere to resurrect his career. The younger of the Schumacher siblings is currently a lowly 13th in the drivers standings with just five points. It is being said that the 32-year-old may have a dual role, that of driver and advisor at Spyker.Ralf has had four retirements this season in Spain, Indianapolis, Britain and Germany. He logged a single point in Australia and Canada, with the best performance - three points - coming at Hungary. Sources in the Spyker team are, however, tightlipped. They say present driver Adrian Sutil has a contract for 2008 and that only the second driver needs to be decided. It is also being said that the present team management and team boss Colin Kolles will retain their spots.With Mallya having already spent so much in his personal capacity, he would need millions more to run an F1 team. It probably makes sense to have Ralf on board, as he will bring in the moolah from potential sponsors as well as provide vital inputs in the development of the new car.Narain for a Williams drive in ‘08?While admitting that he was happy to see an Indian controlling an F1 team, Narain Karthikeyan may be in a predicament of sorts. With a drive virtually assured at Spyker, an opportunity may come up at the Grove-based Williams F1, possibly a race seat for 2008. He is a reserve test driver at present. "I am in talks to find out the nature of my job for the next season," he is quoted as saying. "The chances are bright at the team since one of the drivers is struggling to rope in necessary sponsors. But I have kept my options open and am looking for a better choice."