25/07/2004
NEWS STORY
Although Ralf Schumacher is hoping to be back in the cockpit of the WilliamsF1 WF26 for the Hungarian Grand Prix, it is by no means certain that he will be.
Yesterday, the German rubbished suggestions that he might 'sit out' the remainder of the season and instead focus on 2005 and his move to Toyota.
"Despite what some might say, I am a racing driver, and I want to race," he said. "As soon as I get the OK, I will be back in the car, I can't wait."
Of course, WilliamsF1 will be keen to see the German back in the car too. Marc Gene didn't set the world alight in his two outings for the Grove team, and there was no hiding the disappointment on the faces of the team crew following Antonio Pizzonia's performance in qualifying yesterday.
"He drove too conservatively in the second part," said Sam Michael. "In the main qualifying he didn't get it together. He's made life difficult for himself, starting where he is."
If Ralf is given the all-clear to return to work in time for Hungary, all well and good, however if he isn't, and Pizzonia continues to fail to impress, the team has a problem.
"We have used our four nominations for the season," a WilliamsF1 spokesman told pitpass.
In other words, if Ralf isn't given the all-clear, you won't see Mark Webber, Nick Heidfeld or Jacques Villeneuve in the second car.