Shumacher return put back

Ralf Schumacher has seen his Formula One comeback delayed by another race after failing medical checks on his injured back.

Williams had expected Schumacher to return to the cockpit this week in testing at Monza, prior to an anticipated return in the Italian Grand Prix on September 12.

But the German was refused permission to test tomorrow by his doctors after they examined the cracked vertebrae he suffered in a heavy accident at Indianapolis in June.

A team statement tonight read: “The BMW-Williams team today confirmed that Ralf Schumacher will not take part in the forthcoming Monza test, and as a consequence, the Italian Grand Prix.

“Ralf’s recuperation continues well and the German driver is expected to test after the Italian Grand Prix.”

Schumacher’s place at Williams will again be filled by test driver Antonio Pizzonia.

The Brazilian was on course for a maiden podium finish in last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix before a mechanical failure put him out.

The former British Formula Three champion now has a chance to avenge that disappointment when he stands in for Schumacher for the fourth time this season.

Fellow Williams test driver Marc Gene filled in for Schumacher for the first two races of his absence but was then dropped after showing disappointing form.

The next available date for Schumacher’s comeback is now the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix on September 26 in Shanghai.