Will Ralf be back for the next race in France?

[Yoong Montoya]

Ralf has just had his second concussion in less than a year. But will he be back for France or will he have to miss 1 or 2 races while he recovers? Or even have to retire altogether?

No matter whether you like Ralf or not, you have to admit that no one deserves to have their career end like that.

[Tweed]

I don't think it was a career-ending shunt. It might be one of those that continues to take it's toll over the next few days.

[Adam43]

The only way we will know this is when we get told by Ralf, Williams or a doctor involved. Not much we can contribute because we are factless!

I hope that there is no real problem and he will be back in the car ASAP.

[Dani Filth]

i hope to see him in the car at Magny Cours . he has the title to defend there ..

[Damon]

I'd think that his racing in France would be unlikely at this stage. As Frank said, he's going to be spending a few days in hospital, and this is the second case of concussion inside a year (not healthy). For his own health and safety it'd surely be better for him to sit out the next one.

[Utopian]

If not, it will be interesting to see how Marc Gene fares (I presume he's the stand-by driver)..perhaps he could put himself in contention for the seat alongside Webber next year.

[Kirk]

I wouldn't assume that.

[Ralf]

Hope he's OK for the next race.
But if not, give Villeneuve a drive!

If he's driving next season, why not?

[Big Mac]

I think FW has a phone number just for this situation...

1800 villeneuve!!

(Just jokes!)

[Super Tourer]

Prof Sid Watkins has been looking into concussions in drivers very closely, particularly in terms of two events in close (ish) proximity and the danger of an increased injury if another head injury occurs shortly after a driver has been concussed.

For this reason, I think that Ralf will miss the French GP, as Prof SW will want to ensure he has made a very good recovery before taking further risk. IMO.

[Gt_R]

With the main concern that Ralf's ok, i do think it is wise that Ralf takes a short break from F1 for a race, relaxing with his wife on a holiday. It's not just a physical state, but also a mental state...i'm sure such a heavy crash would have affected Ralf quite a bit.

Although it is unfortunate to see a driver taking "off" due to such situations, it's only wise rather than to compromise safety and performance..who knows..Ralf may come back stronger.

And considering that both Williams drivers are out of the WDC hunt, such a break won't cost Ralfie much...esp if he had already tied down a contract for next year.

As much as some people hate/dislike Ralf, i must say that it's with relief to know that Ralf's ok - a timely reminder that no matter who the driver is, they are all here for racing, a sports they love, and to see/wish them hurt or anything is the last thing on anybody's mind.

i have full faith in the medical team of F1, and the supporting medical agencies around the world who works with Sid & co.

As for possible replacement...it shouldn't be a concern, but i would think Gene would be drafted in, maybe the next race can even work as a "trial" for potential replacements at Williams next season who currently isn't contracted to anybody (read JV)

[jetsetter]

I don't think either Williams or Ralf will put his well being at risk by an early comeback, i think that Ralf will be looking at a couple of races in the stands.

[climb]

On autosport there is reported of a Mario Theissen's statement, about Ralf taking a break for the French GP.

Useless to post the link, for the reason we all know.

[BootsOntheSide]

Ceefax are saying he could make it, ITV are saying he probably won't. Two different views as words confuse, I guess, and we'll ahve to wait and see which is right. I'd advise him to take the race off of there's any risk of concussion

[garcon]

I doubt he'll be ready in time for France, which also makes Silverstone a doubt only a week later.

There's no reason for Ralf to race again until he's fit and ready. And that may take a few weeks. I'd rather see him fit, happy and focussed for his last few Williams GPs than rushing back too soon.

As for who substitutes, it'll be Gene or Pizzonia. I say give Pizzaman a go.

[Kicking-back]

If Ralf doesn't race, Marc Gene will stand in as he is the team's reserve driver.

It would probably be wise for Ralf to take a little break, but let's hope he's back to full fitness soon.

[Suzy]

It's up to Professor Sid Watkins to decide if Ralf races or not.

[Kicking-back]

It's up to Sid to say whether Ralf is ALLOWED to race.

It may be that he gets clearance but then doesn't feel ready.

[EERO]

Though it is the dear Doctor's decision, I think we are not wrong to suggest that Ralf probably will not race in France. This is his SECOND concussion in one year and from what I know of brain injuries, they become increasingly worse with each repetition. He may well miss more than race, I think it would be Hockenheim before we see him again.

I forgot to add that given the severity of the crash, there is a possibility that he might not be cleared to race for the rest of the season. Should he be forced to step down, this could put both the Willy's and TOYOTA seats into question for 2005.

[f1manoz]

Ralf missing the French GP is almost a certainty. He wouldn't be cleared of a concussion that severe only a fortnight after.

Actually, IMO this could be like Piquet in 1987 (without the championship challenge). He crash at Imola affected him all year. I wouldn't be surprised if the same thing happens to Ralf.

So, all in all, I expect M. Gene to be on the side of the car in France.

[Red]

If (most probably and wise) Ralf doesn't race in France, most probably it'll be Gene who replaces him.

[Kirk]

Well, we all know it's just a matter of time for the rumours to flow. So I will start it out by saying that if there was any truth whatsoever of earlier reports of Ralf's estranged relationship with PH/FW ... here we have the perfect opportunity to have Ralf sit and bring in his (potential) replacement.
From Ralf's perspective, it may be in his best interest to rest for at least one race and likely longer, after two concussions in a relatively short time span.

[Red]

RE cold relations with the team; something that I noticed at Canadian GP. I do not remember when I saw such enthusiasm in mechanichs team when one of their drivers got a podium. It really struck me, they're usually so reserved an cool.

[Mr V]

Originally posted by Kirk
here we have the perfect opportunity to have Ralf sit and bring in his (potential) replacement.

Do you really think that Jaguar will allow Webber to race for Williams in the next couple of races then?

Williams need points, that is why i'm sure that they would have a driver who has done thousands of miles in the car, not draft in a driver who hasn't been in any F1 car for 9 months or so.

The main thing is that Rafe's ok, of course.

[Tracey]

Let's not forget that F1 drivers have a way above average level of fitness. This may be in Ralph's favour to help his recovery and get him back in the car. At the end of the day though, it will be a joint decision between him and Prof. Sid.