Ralf Schumacher and his Austrian manager Hans Mahr have parted company by mutual agreement after barely a year of working together.

The 32-year-old, brother of seven-times world champion Michael, has been out of contract since his Toyota contract expired at the end of October.

Schumacher seems set to join his elder brother Michael in retirement.

Ralf admitted he was contemplating quitting after an unsuccessful test drive for Spyker last month.

According to Mahr, the split was agreed months ago with the Austrian now set to work on other projects.

"We have seperated by mutual consent and do so immediately," Mahr told German sports agency SID.

"Of course, if I can help him in anyway in the future, I will."

AFP