What he wanted to hear

By Andrew Hooper
September 16 2003

   
What he wanted to hear
 
According to WilliamsF1 Technical Director the decision to replace Ralf Schumacher with Marc Gene was made by himself and team head Frank Williams. Ralf did not approach the team and ask if he could step down from his driving duties.

Patrick HeadHead said that while Ralf continued to suffer from headaches he would not be required to race. This decision was made in conjunction with FIA doctor Professor Sid Watkins.

Head said: "He seemed Ok on Friday, but he was a bit quiet in the debrief. We asked if he was alright and he said yes but he wanted to have an early night.

"In the morning he came to see Frank [Williams] and I and he said he'd had an awful headache all night. It was clear he wasn't quite up to the mark."

After this Head and Williams told Ralf that while he was still suffer from the results of his testing accident he would not be required to race.

Head added that this appeared to be the response from the team that Ralf was looking for. Head added: "I think that's what he wanted to hear."

Ralf will now have time to recover further in preparation for the next round of the championship in the United States.
 
 
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