Ralf eyes Monza test

Schumacher fractured two vertebrae at the United States Grand Prix in June forcing him out of the following three races. The German predicted he would be back in the cockpit for the Hungarian Grand Prix but days before admitted he needed longer to recover and confirmed he would miss the Budapest event and also the Belgian race later this month.

But Schumacher hopes he will be back in the car when testing resumes after the Belgian Grand Prix on August 29.

"[Ralf] is determined to get back behind the wheel of the FW26 as soon as possible to help the team in its battle for championship points," a statement read on the Williams team website. "Should he have fully recovered, the test at Monza may well represent [his] return to the cockpit."

The FIA's medical delegate Prof Sid Watkins says Schumacher will have to undergo two medical tests to confirm his fitness before he is allowed to take part in a grand prix.

"At first, Ralf's medic, Dr Peil, will have to decide if Ralf is fit enough to contest a test," Watkins said. "Then Ralf will have to complete a further test before he can contest a race."

Should he be cleared to race Schumacher will likely return at the Italian Grand Prix on September 12.