Ferrari owner, Gianni Agnelli, revealed on Saturday that Michael Schumacher is certain to race in the Italian Grand Prix next month. "The doctors have told us that he will be well and is cleared to race again at Monza," Agnelli told Italian reporters while on a visit at the Hungaroring. Agnelli also dismissed rumours which surfaced in the Italian press lately, claiming he would prefer to see Eddie Irvine stay at the team while releasing Michael Schumacher from his contract. "We wouldn't be [in the position we are] without Michael," said Agnelli, " and all other talks about us releasing him is ridiculous." Agnelli also mentioned that Schumacher has a contract with Ferrari until 2002, after which he will become "ambassador for life" for the Ferrari outfit.

Yesterday, Ferrari Sporting Director, Jean Todt, also referred to Schumacher's return, saying: "Michael's recovery is going well. He had some surgery last Saturday in Switzerland, to remove two screws from the pin (in his right leg.) I heard a lot of stories about that, but it was part of the normal medical programme and the only question was when it should be done. It was decided that it would be better to do it immediately. After this extra week, he is now doing a lot of training, walking with sticks and we hope, from next week on, without sticks. After another discussion with the doctors, it will be decided when he can start testing the car and once he has been testing, it will be decided when he does his first race."