Ralf disappointed with injury news

Ralf Schumacher will sit out the next two grands prix after failing to recover from his back injury in time, with Antonio Pizzonia confirmed as his replacement.

He had set himself a target of being fit for the Hungarian race next weekend after cracking vertebrae in his back during a hefty accident at Indianapolis in June.

But he has failed medical tests on his back, which is still weaker than normal and in danger of permanent damage should Schumacher return to a Williams cockpit too soon.

Williams last night confirmed Pizzonia will again replace him in both Hungary and Belgium, having stepped in to race at the German Grand Prix two weeks ago.

The Brazilian finished seventh at Hockenheim to score his first-ever Formula One points, with Williams expecting him to add to that tally.

The next date available for Schumacher to return is now the Italian Grand Prix at Monza next month.