Wednesday September 1st, 1999

Scuderia Ferrari released a statement today, stating that "Michael Schumacher will not take part in the Italian Grand Prix to be run at Monza on 12th September. The German driver broke the news during a press meeting held at the end of the day's testing.

'I am not yet capable of driving at my maximum ability, therefore there is not even any point in continuing to test over the next couple of days,' declared Schumacher. As for the following race, the European Grand Prix on 26th September, a decision will be taken depending on the driver's physical condition nearer the time. Ferrari is disappointed that Schumacher will not be at Monza and looks forward to having him back in the team when he is fully recovered."

In the press conference Schumacher held this evening he also said: "I tried today, but my leg hurt too much. It's impossible to race. I made a test day today and the problems in my leg are too big to do a proper job and it is basically impossible for me to run more than five laps at the moment and especially on this circuit. After the first lap I already felt pain in the broken leg, and after five, the pain was almost unbearable. Thus I realised it would be impossible for me to start in the next races." -- the later statement hinting that he may also miss out on the Luxembourg Grand Prix.

Schumacher further added that, "Unfortunately, the condition of my leg worsened dramatically after the initial improvement. We'll decide a plan for the future where we take enough time in order to be back fit and properly prepared for the future, whenever that is."

The German also denied allegations that he is not coming back because he does not want to help teammate Eddie Irvine win the World Championship. "Eddie and I have always driven for Ferrari and we've always driven in the interests of Ferrari," he said.