Early return for Ralf?

After his crash at Indianapolis, which resulted in cracked vertebrae, doctors advised Ralf Schumacher to take eight to twelve weeks recovery time but the German is impatient to be back on track. It was thought Monza in early September would be possible but Schumacher wants to be back in the car for the Hungarian Grand Prix in the middle of August.

Ralf Schumacher.

Photo by Michael Kim.

"Had my condition been good enough, I would have returned to the cockpit for Magny-Cours," said Schumacher. "I'm desperate to come back as soon as possible to successfully contest the remainder of the season for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team."

Of course, a decision would depend on the doctors' assessment. "I have talked to Ralf and he was rather optimistic to be able to come back earlier than the doctors have advised," said BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen. "Ralf believes to be able to be back in time for the Hungarian Grand Prix, but I'm not so sure if his doctors will allow him to do so."

Meanwhile, is another driver thinking of a return to the cockpit? Former McLaren double champion Mika Hakkinen is rumoured to be reconsidering his decision to retire. The Finn quit at the end of 2001 but recently it's been suggested the lure of the racetrack is calling Hakkinen back.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said at Silverstone that Mika is considering things but doesn't know if a comeback is really viable. David Coulthard, who was teammate to Hakkinen at McLaren, told the Evening Standard: "I think there's been a few things happening ... and he wants to (come back). Whether it's realistic or not, who knows."