Schumachers set to race despite bereavement

Michael and Ralf Schumacher will race at this afternoon's San Marino Grand Prix at Imola despite the death of their mother.

Michael and Ralf Schumacher will race at this afternoon's San Marino Grand Prix at Imola despite the death of their mother.

The brothers rushed back by private jet to Cologne straight after yesterday's qualifying session to be with 55-year-old Elizabeth, who fell ill at her home.

They returned to Italy last night after seeing their mother, who was in a coma in hospital, for the final time.

The brothers yesterday put their personal anguish to one side as they secured places on the front row of the grid, Michael taking pole by 0.014seconds.

READ MORE

Ralf Schumacher arrived at the Imola track around 10.15 this morning, holding hands with his wife, Cora, and dressed in a black shirt and dark blue jeans.

His brother had arrived an hour earlier with Ferrari's sporting director, Jean Todt, dressed in blue jeans. The brothers were both looking in a sombre mood.

But Williams sources confirmed the brothers would race this afternoon.

Ralf Schumacher's press spokesman Thomas Hofmann said: "I can confirm that Ralf's and Michael's mother died this morning."

PA