Schumacher broke two bones in his back in this crash

Doctors said Schumacher would be out for three months, but Willi Weber predicted the German could be fit for the Hungarian Grand Prix on 15 August.

"It gave him a shock, but he knows all will be well in time," Weber said.

"If he does everything the doctor says, I think he will be back in Hungary or Spa (in Belgium the next race)."

Schumacher was diagnosed with two spinal fractures a week after crashing backwards into the wall at Indianapolis at almost 200mph.

There has been speculation that Schumacher, who is expected to join Toyota in 2005, would not race again this season.

It's important to get back into the car and show he's OK Willi Weber Ralf Schumacher's manager Ralf facing long absence

But Weber, speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, said: "Doctors always give a long time for a recovery, but Ralf is a young man and I hope, and he hopes, he will come back sooner."

However, Weber added that Schumacher, who also suffered a concussion in an accident in testing at Monza in Italy last September, would be careful not to come back too soon.

"We don't want to rush back. The doctor needs to say it's OK to be back in the car. Then Ralf himself needs to feel that it is OK to come back," he said.

"If the doctor allows him and he feels OK, he should be back as soon as possible. It's important to get back into the car and show he's OK."

Schumacher is being replaced at this weekend's French Grand Prix by Williams test driver Marc Gene.

But the team have not said who will drive at the British Grand Prix next weekend and beyond.

They are expected to give a number of drivers a chance, including their other test driver Antonio Pizzonia.