Schumacher out of action for weeks

WILLIAMS driver Ralf Schumacher looks set to miss most of the rest of the grand prix season because of the back injury he suffered at Indianapolis two weeks ago.

Schumacher, in the midst of a disappointing season, crashed after suffering a puncture and was rushed to hospital after being lifted out of the car.

After returning to Germany, doctors at the hospital in Bad Nauheim looked further at his injuries. He has two fractured vertebrae and will be out of action for eight to 12 weeks.

Schumacher revealed that his brother, world champion Michael, has been in constant contact.

Marc Gene is the most likely man to fill Schumacher’s seat while he recovers, having driven in place of the German in Italy last year after another accident.