Schwarz to miss Sweden?

Skoda's Armin Schwarz may be forced to sit out the Uddeholm Swedish Rally in three weeks time, following his 'big accident' yesterday on the Rallye Monte Carlo.

Speaking today, Schwarz, who injured his shoulder in the crash, admitted he was in pain, but that it 'wasn't as bad as it could have been'.

"I am still in quite a lot of discomfort, as you can imagine," he said, "but thankfully the injury isn't as bad as it could have been. I will have to wear a cast on my arm for a few more days but then I will discuss with my doctors what the next step will be."

Skoda boss, Martin Muehlmeier meanwhile has revealed that while it is much too early to say whether or not Schwarz will miss the second round of the WRC, it is a possibility.

"We must wait and see what the situation is with Armin," he confirmed.

"We will be patient for a few days and then decide about Sweden once we have spoken with his doctors but there is no rush to make a decision immediately."

Skoda had planned to enter three Fabia WRCs on the Swedish Rally with Schwarz partnered by Finland's Janne Tuohino, who takes over the second car from Alex Bengue and Audi Sport's reigning DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom, who will drive the third Fabia.

Should Schwarz be ruled out, then Jani Paasonen, who is also under contract by Skoda, would probably be the favourite to stand in.