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Ralf Schumacher fails fitness test, out for Italy
Williams driver Ralf Schumacher has failed a fitness test and will not be allowed to make his Formula One return in testing at Monza, his team said on Tuesday. German Schumacher has been sidelined since fracturing his back in a high-speed crash in the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis on June 20. He had hoped to begin a three-day test run yesterday ready for next week's Italian Grand Prix. "Ralf will not take part in the forthcoming Monza test and, as a consequence, the Italian Grand Prix," Williams said in a statement. "His recuperation continues well and he is expected to test after the Italian Grand Prix. His position in Italy will again be filled by Antonio Pizzonia." Pizzonia has replaced Schumacher in the last three races and after seventh places in Germany and Hungary he was denied a podium finish by a mechanical failure in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix. The German, who will drive for Toyota next season, has missed the last five races and watched brother Michael wrap up a seventh drivers' title in Belgium. Mario Theissen, the motorsport director of Williams' engine partners BMW, said after the Belgian Grand Prix: "I talked to him (Ralf) on Friday, he was very positive, he wants to get back in the car." Spanish test driver Marc Gene deputized for Schumacher in the French and British Grands Prix without scoring, before Brazilian Pizzonia took his place. Former world champions Williams are a disappointing fourth in the constructors' championship with 54 points behind Ferrari, Renault and BAR. |
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