Ralf aims for early comeback

Schumacher spent the evening in hospital in the US but it only emerged later that the German had sustained two fractures to his spine. Doctors estimated he would take eight-12 weeks to recover from his injuries with many predicting Schumacher would not contest another race this year.

But Ralf is determined to get back into the driving seat and finish his season with Williams before he heads to Toyota to begin his three-year term with the German-based squad. Schumacher has even told BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen that he would like to be ready in time for Budapest.

"Had my condition been good enough, I would have returned to the cockpit for Magny-Cours," Schumacher told the team website. "I'm desperate to come back as soon as possible to successfully contest the remainder of the season for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team."

Mario Theissen added: "I have talked to Ralf and he was rather optimistic to be able to come back earlier than the doctors have advised," said Theissen. "Ralf believes to be able to be back in time for the Hungarian Grand Prix, but I'm not so sure if his doctors will allow him to do so."

Reserve driver Marc Gene replaced Schumacher for the French and British Grands Prix. It has been rumoured that test driver Antonio Pizzonia could take his place at the next round in Germany on July 25.