Sunday May 14th, 2000

Formula One brothers Ralf and Michael Schumacher remain close despite their increasing rivalry on the track, Ralf was quoted as saying in an interview to be published on Monday.

Ralf Schumacher told Der Spiegel magazine that there was no lingering tension between them after their mid-race scrap for third place in last Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.

"Nothing has been changed in our good relationship," he said. "It's a lot of fun when we are out there on the track duelling against each other."

Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher made contact with his brother's Williams before Ralf overtook him. ~He looked for the fight and he started it,~ the double world champion was quoted as saying after the collision.

Ralf, competing in his debut world championship season in 1997, ran his brother off the track seconds after the start of the Luxembourg Grand Prix.