Ralf discharged from hospital

Ralf was involved in a major accident during the running of the United States Grand Prix that saw his car crash heavily into the wall on the outside of the final corner prior to the main straight.

A team spokes person said: "After examination by medical staff this morning, Ralf has been discharged and is flying home to Salzburg today. Ralf is well, but has a bruised back and strained back muscles."

It was also announced that Ralf would not be taking part in in the team's scheduled testing this week in Jerez. It also remains doubtful whether he will take part in the French Grand Prix, on July 4th.

It was also disclosed by Michelin that the cause of Ralf's accident was due to a puncture that was caused by debris on track. The WilliamsF1 team supported this view even though it was first thought that Ralf's car may have had a failure in the suspension.

Michelin's Motorsport Director, Pierre Dupasquier, said:"As far as the two accidents early in the race are concerned, Fernando Alonso and Ralf Schumacher suffered deflated right and left rear tyres respectively. We have examined the tyres and it is clear that both were damaged by debris that had been picked up from the track, probably in the wake of the multiple pile-up at the first corner."