Schumacher ruled out of Monza

Motor Sport: Ferrari's Michael Schumacher yesterday ruled himself out of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 12th and the European Grand Prix two weeks later after pulling out of testing yesterday.

"I had a test today and there were problems in my leg. They are too big to do a proper job. Basically it is impossible to drive properly at the moment," Schumacher said.

It was Schumacher's first news conference since the double world champion broke his leg at the British Grand Prix on July 11th. He said he would be out of action for a while. "I don't think I will compete in the next two races," he said.

Meanwhile, Rubens Barrichello yesterday refused to act as understudy to Schumacher once he completes his expected move to Ferrari. Barrichello is likely to be confirmed as Schumacher's partner at the Maranello outfit later this month.

"If I have to allow Schumacher to pass me, then Ferrari does not interest me," Barrichello is quoted as saying. "If, for the good of the team, we work to get a result, with me as co-pilot, that's acceptable."

Athletics: Injured 100 metres world champion Marion Jones is still suffering from back spasms and will not compete again this season, her agent said yesterday. "Her season is over," Charlie Wells said in Brussels where Jones was scheduled to compete in a Golden League meeting tomorrow. The 23-year-old Jones collapsed on the track in the 200 metres semi-finals at Seville's world championships last week, suffering from cramps and back spasms.

Cycling: French world number one Laurent Jalabert will compete in the Tour of Spain (Vuelta), which starts on Saturday, Manolo Saiz, sporting director of his team ONCEDeutsche Bank, confirmed yesterday. "He is not on his best form but he has made an impressive recovery," Saiz said, referring to the Frenchman's August 1st fall in the Tour of Castille and Leon.

Once, however, have named last year's Tour of Spain winner Abraham Olano as team leader.