Olivier Panis, who broke both his legs during the Grand Prix of Canada and is now replaced by Jarno Trulli at Prost-Mugen, said he wants to return to Formula One before the end of the season. The doctors say he will be able to walk in a month.

The Frenchman said: "I want to finish the season off well. I've set myself a target of two months, maybe two and a half, but I want to race again before the end of the season."

He added: "I remember the accident, I never lost consciousness and that helps mentally. I heard a noise from behind on the left side and found myself spinning. I crashed into the wall on the right side and then on the left."

He also said: "I want to win races, from this year I hope. My goal remains to be world champion."

Michael Schumacher has supported his team-mate Eddie Irvine to keep his Ferrari seat for next year. There has been a lot of speculation regarding Irvine's position. Schumacher said that his team-mate was "a very fair and a very good team-mate. Obviously he has had some problems, but don't forget how many points he has scored."