Schumacher eyeing up other options?

Ralf Schumacher will fill in for Niki Lauda for the German RTL broadcasters coverage of the Japanese GP. Is Ralf thinking about 2010?

With only two points finishes, the best of those a sixth place, the German’s days in the DTM look like they are numbered.

After Ralf Schumacher’s final F1 season in 2007, the Schumacher name left the Formula 1 grid for the first time since 1994.

Unlike other Formula 1 stars who were given the latest machinery initially, Jean Alesi, Mika Hakkinen & Heinz-Harald Frentzen for example – with a crowded talented line-up, Mercedes managed to convince Ralf to break in slowly, running a one year old car in his first season, where he took two points finishes, the best a seventh place at Barcelona.

With Bernd Schneider retiring, Mercedes were certain to want to put a replacement German in their main line-up – but many felt it was unfair when Jamie Green – who was the second highest scoring Mercedes in 2008 – was relocated to the one-year old squad and Ralf effectively took his seat.

With new machinery though, Ralf needed to deliver results – with 2008 ‘vice-champion’ Paul di Resta as a team mate, as well as 2005 champion Gary Paffett – he’s been faced with tough competition from within.

So far, Ralf has failed to live up to the challenge however, languishing in 12th place with four cars ahead of him which are 2008 specification. Also, all three of his HWA Mercedes-Benz team mates have points ranges in the thirties when he has only five.

The question remains then, with this appearance for RTL at Suzuka, is Ralf looking at other career opportunities for 2010? Has Mercedes already told him he’ll be looking for a drive elsewhere next year? Or maybe Ralf’s just finding something to do on his weekend off.