Ralf aiming for Indy return

Ralf Schumacher intends to be back on track at Indianapolis for the US Grand Prix next weekend and is amused to hear the gossip about who might replace him for the final races of the season. Schumacher missed the Italian GP due to still suffering ...

Ralf Schumacher intends to be back on track at Indianapolis for the US Grand Prix next weekend and is amused to hear the gossip about who might replace him for the final races of the season. Schumacher missed the Italian GP due to still suffering from headaches after a crash in testing. Team test driver Marc Gen? deputised for the German but Ralf thinks he'll be fit for Indy.

Ralf Schumacher.

Photo by BMW PressClub.

The rumour mill suggested Jacques Villeneuve could step into Schumacher's seat if he doesn't return but both Ralf and team boss Frank Williams have laughed off that idea.

"I am very amused to hear and read thse rumours about who will replace me for the final two races -- the only thing I can say to this is that it will remain speculation," said Schumacher. Williams's opinion was: "I think that's wishful thinking from the French-speaking part of Canada."

Meanwhile, Schumacher will be attending the Frankfurt International Motor Show this week. Recuperation may be on the agenda but a visit to the show is not deemed too stressful.

"According to my doctors I'm free to do what ever I feel like as long as it isn't too stressful," said Ralf. "Therefore I'm allowed to travel to Frankfurt on Wednesday for a short visit at the BMW IAA stand, but directly afterwards I'll travel back home to get my bio feedback."

Williams has not yet decided if Schumacher will race at Indianapolis; obviously such a decision depends on his full recovery. Ralf himself expects to be back in action: "Of course I'm doing everything to recover as fast as possible and of course I expect to be able to return behind the wheel in Indianapolis."