Back Problems Force Ralf to Skip Testing

German Ralf Schumacher was forced to pull out of Formula One winter testing at Barcelona on Tuesday when he discovered back pains when he got into his Williams-BMW machine.

Schumacher, who finished fourth in the World Championship last year, was due to test until the end of the week but was flown home to Salzburg yesterday afternoon.

Schumacher's spokesman, Tomas Hoffman, said: "We are not sure what caused the problem but he went into the car and it was really cold - minus four degrees - and he realised he was hurt when he was fitted with the seatbelts.

"It got worse and worse when he was out on the track but he tried again and he couldn't move, his back was really stiff, so we stopped the test and he went to his doctor."

Schumacher will not drive again until after the team launch their new car, in Barcelona on January 31, but he is confident of a quick return and has already gone back to training.

"His doctor tried to fix everything and he said he can move much better now," added Hoffman. "His physio said he has started light training and will return to full training next week."

Schumacher complained of back problems earlier this year but there is no concern of a long-term problem and he is confident he will be at full strength for the season-opening race in Australia in March.