Williams to Name Ralf's Replacement by Tomorrow

Williams confirmed today that injured driver Ralf Schumacher will not return to the cockpit at next weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, and the team said the announcement on his replacement will be made by tomorrow the latest.

The German has been sidelined after suffering fractured vertebrae in a crash at the United States Grand Prix, missing the races in France, Britain and Germany. The 29-year-old had hoped to return for Hungary.

"We can confirm that, while Ralf's convalescence is progressing well, prudence dictates he will not race in Hungary," the team said in a statement. "His condition will continue to be monitored on a race-by-race basis."

In Thursday's Bild newspaper, Ralf's manager Willi Weber said his driver risked career-ending injuries if he returned too soon. "Ralf's bone thickness was measured and it was established that the two broken vertebrae were not yet as hardened as is normally the case," he said.

"Another accident like the one in Indianapolis and Ralf could be made a paraplegic. Nobody could accept that."

Williams said they will announce by Friday who will replace Schumacher in Hungary, but they are likely to use again test driver Antonio Pizzonia.

Third driver Marc Gene of Spain replaced Ralf in France and Britain but failed to impress the team. Test driver Pizzonia of Brazil was then given the chance in Germany.

Schumacher himself is now targeting the Belgian Grand Prix for his return.