MOTOR RACING: Schumacher on his way

JORDAN AND Ralf Schumacher parted company yesterday in a deal brokered by Formula One's impresario, Bernie Ecclestone. The German is now free to join Williams, writes Derick Allsop.

Schumacher contested Jordan's claim that he was bound to them by contract for next year and the dispute went to the High Court. However, Ecclestone stepped in and an out-of-court settlement was reached.

Jordan, who were to announce their 1999 drivers at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, now expect to reveal Damon Hill's partner in a fortnight. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, the German now likely to be released by Williams, Brazil's Pedro Diniz and Japan's Toranosuke Takagi are among the contenders.

Schumacher's older brother, Michael, will attempt to make peace with David Coulthard today ahead of Sunday's race. Both men plead innocence over their collision in Belgium, 11 days ago, but have declared their willingness to meet.