Ralf set to miss French GP

US GP report Ralf released from hospital

Williams driver Ralf Schumacher says it is unlikely he will race in the French Grand Prix on 4 July following his 180mph crash at Indianapolis on Sunday.

"At the moment I don't think so. The important thing now is that I rest," Schumacher said on his website.

"In principle I should be behind the wheel as soon as possible.

"But the example of my accident during testing in September (2003) showed that you can't take anything for granted. My priority is to get fit again."

Schumacher crashed during testing at Monza last year and was forced to sit out the Italian Grand Prix 10 days later.

If he confirms his decision, Williams will have to find a temporary replacement.

This is considered most likely to be one of the two Williams test drivers, Marc Gene - who stood in for Schumacher in Italy last year - or Antonio Pizzonia.

I feel as if I've done two rounds with Muhammad Ali Ralf Schumacher

But the Guardian reported on Tuesday that former Williams driver Jacques Villeneuve could be given a run.

The Canadian, who won the world title with Williams in 1997, is said to be one of the drivers on the team's list for 2005, along with Jaguar's Mark Webber, McLaren driver David Coulthard and Sauber's Giancarlo Fisichella.

Williams will need two new drivers next year. Juan Pablo Montoya's move to McLaren has long been confirmed, and Ralf Schumacher has lined up a move to Toyota, which is expected to be announced next month.

Australian Webber is the hot favourite for one seat, with the others vying to partner him.

Schumacher said he still felt battered from the crash.

"I feel as if I've done two rounds with Muhammad Ali. But I don't want there to be any misunderstanding. I'm not in shock, I don't have psychological problems. I just have concussion."

Schumacher crashed on the fastest part of the course at Indianapolis and medical staff spent more than 10 minutes freeing him from the car.

At the moment, I'm definitely not thinking about motor racing Ralf Schumacher

He said he has no memory of the accident.

"I saw a few scenes on the hospital television. I can't remember anything else apart from maybe the start of the race," he told Bild newspaper. "It's as if the scenes of the accident have been erased."

"Right now I need some rest, just rest. At the earliest, in a few days, I'll be able to say what's going to happen next," he told Bild.

"At the moment, I'm definitely not thinking about motor racing. I just want to go home. I want to go to my wife and son."