Ralf released from hospital

Ralf Schumacher has been released from hospital and is returning home to Salzburg to continue his recovery. Team boss Frank Williams initially thought Schumacher may have to spend a few days in hospital after his crash in the United States Grand Prix, but it appears the German is on the mend.

Ralf Schumacher.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"Ralf is well but has a bruised back and strained back muscles. He will not be taking part in scheduled testing in Jerez," said Williams' media manager Liam Clogger. In regard to whether Schumacher would race in the French GP, July 4th, he added: "The idea is to see how he is this week and then take a view maybe toward the end of the week."

Williams test driver Marc Gen? stood in for Schumacher at the Italian GP last year, after Ralf crashed during testing at the Monza track. The team also has Antonio Pizzonia as another alternative. BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said it would be Schumacher's decision whether to race in France.

"I cannot say what will happen now," Theissen commented. "It has to be his own decision. He has to decide what to do. I'm not an expert and I cannot evaluate whether it's a risk or would be damaging for him to drive, but it's two major accidents for him in a year now."

"Obviously, we all hope he recovers quickly and if he is ready to race, then he will do so, but if not then we will have to see what to do."