Williams gives Schu support

Williams last night positioned himself in Ralf Schumacher’s corner as he backed the German to make a “vital” contribution to his team’s fortunes in the year’s final two grands prix.

With Schumacher under fire for withdrawing from Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, after a lengthy pit stop left him apparently out of points contention, it was left to team principal Williams to defend the driver.

“Let there be no misunderstanding about the team’s commitment to Ralf,” said Williams.

“He will be racing for the team in Japan and Brazil.”

Schumacher has collected only 12 points this season and suffered fractured bones in his spine during the US Grand Prix on June 21.