Michael Schumacher announced today in Kerpen, Germany, that he has almost reached agreement with Ferrari to extend his current contract to the end of 1998. Schumacher said that there were "only a few things left to sort out."

The announcement comes at the end of a torrid time for Ferrari, with poor reliabity spoiling the World Champion's chances to defend his title. Schumacher's current contract expires at the end of the 1997 season.

Frenchman Jean Alesi managed to edge out World Championship leader, Damon Hill, in tests today at Le Castellet. Alesi managed a best time of 1:08.62 in his Renault powered Benetton, compared to Hill's time of 1:08.99 in his Williams-Renault.

Gerhard Berger managed to set the third fastest time, in a day which signalled a much improved performance for Benetton, while Jacques Villeneuve could only manage 1:11.66 making him the slowest of the six cars present.

Rubens Barrichello was also present for Jordan, as was Alain Prost for McLaren. Barrichello set 4th fastest time, while Prost managed 5th.