Tuesday August 24th, 1999

Following Michael Schumacher's medical examination today, Ferrari announced that the German will not participate at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. Schumacher will join the team's extensive testing scheduled at Monza between September 1st through September 4th, in preparations for the Italian Grand Prix, on September 12th.

Ferrari spokesman would not reveal details about Schumacher's examination today, or what the doctors had told the German. Instead, the Italian team released a laconic statement that, "Eddie Irvine and Mika Salo will drive in the Belgian Grand Prix on 29th August. Michael Schumacher will drive the following week at Monza during tests for the Italian GP. At the test, which will run from first to third September, he will carry out a race distance simulation as preparation for a possible participation in the Italian GP."

Later today, it was revealed that Schumacher is suffering from pain in his ankle ever since he tested extensively at Mugello last Friday, and the doctors advised that he eases up on his physical training and allows the leg a better healing time. Schumacher's spokesman, Heiner Buchinger, also said that Schumacher is suffering from acute pains this week. "It's simply not going well. Since Monday, it has been going worse," he said.