Speculation about the flagging career of Toyota's Ralf Schumacher has continued to worsen.

Newspaper reports on Tuesday suggested that the former six-time grand prix winner, who qualified a dreary twentieth in Monaco last weekend, could be dropped by the team if he does not close up on the pace of his teammate Jarno Trulli over the next two races.

Now, the German tabloid 'Bild' is linking impressive Spyker rookie Adrian Sutil - who sensationally topped a wet practice time sheet in Monaco Carlo last weekend - with 31-year-old Ralf's race seat.

Sutil's manager Karl-Heinz Zimmermann said: "After (Adrian's) recent performances, one or two team managers have enquired about his situation, but up to now there have been no negotiations."

"We are basically very happy with Spyker."

Former grand prix driver Christian Danner, however, doubts that Cologne based Toyota is about to "fire" Schumacher, who joined the team in 2005 on an annual retainer of about (US) $20m.

The German is quoted as saying by Sport-Informations-Dienst: "For Toyota, there is no alternative to Ralf, so I think he still has a future there."

Source: GMM