Schumi Denies Speculation Over Swap

German Formula One star Michael Schumacher on Monday dismissed rumors that he is considering switching to the McLaren-Mercedes team when his contract with Ferrari ends next year. On his fan homepage, Schumacher said that he didn't want to go into the rumors, adding that "everyone knows how closely linked I am with Ferrari." Schumacher issued the denial following reports in several newspapers that he had been having secret meetings with Mercedes motor sports chief Norbert Haug. Ferrari is said to be interested in Mercedes driver Kimi Räikkönen of Finland, raising speculation that a swap was in the works. Haug confirmed the meetings with Schumacher but said the two talked about the future of Formula One, and not about a "common future."