According to reports, though not confirmed by his team, Ralf Schumacher looks likely to be out of racing for the next three months, possibly returning for the last two races of the season in October.

A 'spokesman' for the German driver has revealed that doctors have discovered that the German suffered two spinal fractures in the recent accident at Indianapolis.

Writing on his own website, Ralf says: "To be honest, I imagined my birthday (today) would be rather different. Yesterday's diagnosis was a real blow.

"But so be it. What's happened has happened. The injury is worse than feared. I have to get through it."

Talking to pitpass on Tuesday, a WilliamsF1 spokesman revealed that both Marc Gene and Antonio Pizzonia were on stand-by in case the FIA's medical delegate should decide that the German was not ready to race in France. That said, it is more than likely that the Spaniard will replace Ralf.

However, with the German now facing a long-term layoff, the team may look elsewhere for a replacement, which is sure to provoke another round of stories linking former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve with the drive.