Howett: Heidfeld no better than current line-up.

Toyota F1 boss John Howett has attempted to diffuse the on-going rumours about a possible future tie-up with Nick Heidfeld by claiming that the German would bring nothing new to his team.

Speaking to German magazine Sport Bild, Howett apparently dismissed this season's results - which show Heidfeld finishing fourth in each of the opening three grands prix - by insisting that the BMW Sauber pilot would not improve a pairing currently comprised of Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher. Heidfeld's contract with BMW - which moved quickly to spirit him away from Williams when their relationship went sour in 2005 - runs out end of the season, and team boss Mario Theissen has said that he is in 'no rush' to renegotiate a deal. Heidfeld's manager, meanwhile, claims to have had offers from both Toyota and Honda for 2008.

"Heidfeld is nothing more than a decent midfield driver," Howett is alleged to have said, "We would not improve ourselves by signing him."

Neither of Toyota's current incumbents has found the TF107 to their liking - despite the car again being the first of this year's models to be launched and run - but Howett insists that the team will work to sort the problems, rather than adapting the line-up. Indeed, the article speculates that the 54-year old is more intent on re-signing Schumacher for next season, despite the German's lacklustre results in recent seasons.

Howett's apparent willingness to remain loyal to the German has been scorned by former Toyota boss Norbert Kreyer, who told the same publication that the team's desire to sign a big name rather than a young talent has played a major part in its sluggish progress in F1

"I had the green light [to sign other drivers in 2004], but Howett wanted a big name instead," he said, "Willi Weber secured Ralf a mega deal, and its logical that Howett wants to stand by that."

Kreyer's comments, however, appear at odds with other reports, which suggest that Schumacher may find himself out of favour at Toyota at the end of the season, the result of his apparently lack of work ethic and tendency to openly discuss problems in the media.

"I can't drive the car as I would want, she does not suit my driving style," the German said of the TF107 in one such outburst to France's Le Figaro, "The problem will not disappear, and changes made before the next grand prix in Barcelona will not improve my position that much."

The $15m a year that Schumacher is rumoured to be getting from Toyota would go nicely towards hiring a young charger - and the marque has a burgeoning driver development programme up and running, with talents in both F3 and GP2 - but the German's manager insists that he is not considering a pay cut - or quitting.

"We have decided to take a little time and only discuss the renewal of the Toyota contract at mid-season," Hans Mahr told the French publication, "There is no need to pre-occupy ourselves with his future. If Ralf wants to drive, there will always be teams wanting to run him.".