01/09/2004
NEWS STORY
It would appear that Ralf Schumacher's delayed return to the cockpit of the WillamsF1 BMW FW26 isn't quite as clear-cut as one might imagine.
WilliamsF1's press release, issued late on Monday afternoon, merely stated that the German would not take part in this week's test nor the Italian GP, adding that his "recuperation continues well" and that the Toyota-bound driver is "expected to test after the Italian Grand Prix".
However, a statement issued by Weber Management - which handles Ralf's affairs - on Tuesday afternoon, gave the saga a further twist.
"After a final medical examination Monday afternoon by Dr. Peil in Bad Nauheim, Ralf Schumacher received the medical consent in order to test in Monza prior to the Grand Prix," it read. "But due to the insurance cover, that was initially based on a 12 weeks-period for a complete rehabilitation, a comeback before this period would be at Ralf's own risk and not considered prudent. It is for this reason that Ralf had to cancel his involvement in testing in Monza this week."
Meanwhile, on Ralf's own website, team boss Frank Williams says that he understands the situation, but will only allow the German back in the car once the medical and insurance issues have been resolved.
"I will let Ralf back in the car only when the doctors and the insurance company give me the all-clear," he says. "Unless Ralf signs a statement where, in the case of an accident, he renounces any kind of demands, he will not drive my car. I don't want, in the event of another accident with one of my cars, Ralf ending up in a wheelchair like me."