Schu ‘number two’?

Ralf Schumacher has denied he is standing on the cusp of becoming an unwilling 'number two' at Formula One employer Toyota. The German, 29, has been generally outpaced by teammate Jarno Trulli so far in 2005.

''Unlike some other teams,'' Schumacher told Spanish newspaper Marca, ''Jarno and I can have the exact same equipment. There is so need for a number one, number two driver.''

Ralf's elder brother, Michael, enjoys 'number one' status at Ferrari, including perpetual assignment of the spare car and – just quietly – the joyful end of team orders. Schumacher Junior also predicted that regular wins for the Cologne based squad are at least 'one more year' away. ''It's a gradual process,'' he said. GMMF1