Schumachers to race despite grief

Michael and Ralf Schumacher are expected to race at this afternoon’s San Marino Grand Prix at Imola despite the death of their mother.

The brothers rushed back by private jet to Cologne straight after yesterday’s qualifying session to be with 55-year-old Elizabeth, who fell ill at her home.

They returned to Italy last night after seeing their mother for the final time, sources close to the Williams team confirmed today.

The brothers yesterday put their personal anguish to one side as they secured places on the front row of the grid, Michael taking pole by 0.014seconds.