Schumacher boost for Williams

Ralf Schumacher is poised to make a quicker-than-expected return for Williams - which cannot come soon enough for the team despite recently confirming his defection to Toyota.

After fracturing two spinal vertebrae in a 185mph smash during the United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis three weeks ago, Schumacher was informed he would be out for around three months.

But he is targeting a comeback for next month’s Hungarian Grand Prix on August 15, which would be a month ahead of schedule.

“I spoke to him this morning and he is quite optimistic,” said BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen.

“He wants to return quicker than the doctors have said and he thinks he can be back in the car in Hungary.

“I don’t know if the doctors support that, but he will have a medical check next week and we will know more after that.”

Although Schumacher signed a three-year deal with Toyota this week, making him one of the richest drivers on the circuit, Williams are eager to see the 29-year-old racing for them again.

Test driver Marc Gene has not performed badly since taking over from Schumacher at last week’s French Grand Prix in Magny Cours, but neither has he made the team sit up and take notice.

The Spaniard qualified a disappointing 12th for tomorrow’s British Grand Prix, leaving team principal Sir Frank Williams still unsure as to who will compete in the German Grand Prix in a fortnight’s time.

Theissen insists Schumacher’s Toyota transfer “will not affect our relationship when he returns”, adding: “I am really looking forward to him being back in the car.

“We expect strong races from him and strong performances in setting up and developing the car and he will certainly be included in the development of this year’s car down to the final race.”

Williams is also eager for Schumacher to return, particularly with McLaren strong again and knowing they can ill afford to slide any further down the constructors’ championship as they are currently fourth and 15 points ahead of the Woking-based team.

“Without Ralf we are slipping down and down,” said Williams.

“If you go from second to third in the constructors’ it amounts to €2.5m, with third to fourth about €2m , and then fourth to fifth is €1.5m and so on.

“So, as Mario has said, we need to have Ralf in the car.”