Ralf's Manager Criticises Indianapolis Hospital

Ralf Schumacher's manager Willi Weber criticised the medical treatment his driver received in the United States, saying the Williams driver's spinal fractures were not diagnosed on time.

Schumacher crashed heavily in the United States Grand Prix and was confirmed today to miss the upcoming French Grand Prix, where Williams reserve driver Marc Gene will be replacing the German.

But Weber, manager of both Schumacher brothers, said Ralf was certain to miss at least the next three races, and he expressed dismay that the fractures not been noticed in the hospital in Indianapolis and that Ralf had been released so soon.

"I was there during the examination at the hospital yesterday and [Ralf's] reaction, just like mine, was not very positive. You really have to ask yourself what they did in America," he told Reuters television.

Medical tests at the clinic in the western German spa town of Bad Nauheim where Schumacher is being treated revealed that he had suffered two spinal fractures.

Schumacher was initially thought to have minor bruising and a mild concussion, and he was released from the Indianapolis hospital a day after the accident, after which he travelled back to his home in Austria.