FIA Ruling 'Fundamental' for Ralf's Title Hopes

Sir Frank Williams today claimed that it was "fundamental" to his team's World Championship hopes that the International Court of Appeal accept their bid to have Ralf Schumacher's penalty for causing a three-car accident at the German Grand Prix overturned.

Williams spoke after a hearing in Paris and was in no doubt how important the ruling - which is expected on Wednesday - could be, especially with his team just two points behind Ferrari in the constructors' standings with four races remaining.

"It's fundamental we win to keep Ralf in contention, and for our chances of the Constructors' Championship," said Williams, who remained silent during proceedings as Schumacher defended his case and denied accusations that he had admitted to "paying no attention" to Rubens Barrichello and Kimi Raikkonen before the three collided at the start of the Hockenheim race.

"The hearing itself went very smoothly and was conducted very professionally - it was a very fair hearing," added Williams.

Formula One's governing body, the FIA, punished Schumacher with the loss of 10 grid positions in the next race, which takes place in Hungary this weekend.

Should the appeal not go Williams' way, he admits that the penalty will be particularly severe at the Hungaroring, saying: "It is not renowned for overtaking opportunities there so it will prove very difficult for us."

Sir Frank Williams' past efforts in the International Court of Appeal do not bode well for his team, as in his 30-year career he has never won a case in three attempts.

Nevertheless, Schumacher and the team vehemently protest the driver's innocence, and the German travelled to the FIA headquarters in Paris along with mechanics, and lawyers to take part in the hearing in an effort to clear his name.

Schumacher saw the crash as merely a racing incident.

"It was a completely normal racing accident and could have happened to anyone in any race," said Schumacher. After the hearing he only said he was "hopeful" that the decision would go his way.

Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello, McLaren-Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen and race director Charlie Whiting, who took issue with Schumacher's conjecture that the other cars were in his blind spot, were also present at the hearing.