IMOLA, April 19: Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher and his brother Ralf left the San Marino Grand Prix on Saturday to join their mother at her hospital bedside.

Ferrari’s five times champion left the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit immediately after he and Williams driver Ralf had qualified together on the front row.

A source close to the family said they were flying to Cologne, where their mother Elizabeth was in a coma, with wives Corinna and Cora and would return for the race on Sunday.

“Michael and Ralf wanted to fly back because their mother is ill,” said the source. “She’s been ill for some time but it’s been very bad since last week.”—Reuters