Schwarz fit for Sanremo

Schwarz had a horrendous crash on Leg Two of Rallye Deutschland last month, fracturing his third and fourth left rear ribs. He was in a race against time to be fit for the final asphalt round of the season in Italy in two weeks time, but Hyundai has described his rehabilitation as "remarkable" and Dr Trafford praised the efforts of Schwarz's medical team.

"Armin has been treated by a very skilled physiotherapist and osteopath, Siegfried Hornikel, who he has been working with in Germany since 1996," said Dr Trafford. "He has been using magnetic therapy for Armin's injuries to promote healing and callus formation, as well as salt water therapy to increase shoulder blade movement over the broken ribs and to break down adhesions.

"I am amazed that he has such a good range of movement and is in no pain," continued Dr Trafford. "All the treatment has worked exceptionally well considering you would expect broken ribs to have put Armin out of action for five to six weeks because of the pain and limitation of shoulder movement."

Eager to get back behind the wheel of his Accent WRC3, Schwarz said: "I'm feeling really good now. Last Wednesday I was still in a bit of pain and I began some work on my bike at home. By Thursday it was like a switch went - all the blood felt like it was pumping back around my body and I felt a lot better.

"I have been receiving eight to nine hours treatment a day so as not to allow anything to seize up and it really has worked," he added. "Siegfried will also come to Sanremo with me so we can continue treatment as much as possible."

Schwarz also commented on his co-driver Manfred Hiemer. "Manni has also received five to six treatments with the physio as his ribs were quite bruised. He is now feeling good and we are both looking forward to getting to Sanremo."