As the teams arrived in the Imola paddock, they were met with the sad news that Michael and Ralf Schumacher’s mother, Elizabeth, died last night in a Cologne hospital.  Her two sons had flown to be with her immediately after yesterday’s qualifying session, returning to Italy overnight.

The FIA has issued a statement offering the two men its deepest sympathy, as well as excusing them from today’s Driver Parade and, should either of them finish in the top three today, from taking part in the post-race press conference.

Eddie Jordan, who brought both Schumacher brothers into Formula One, Michael in 1991 and Ralf in 1997, commented : "I would like to express my sympathy to Michael, Ralf and their family at this time.  It is a difficult time and I am certain that everyone in Formula One will understand what they are experiencing and how difficult it must be for them today in San Marino."