Elisabeth Schumacher, 55, the mother of Michael and Ralf, died in a hospital in Cologne, Germany, early Sunday.

She had slipped into a coma following a fall at her home last Saturday and underwent an emergency operation.

Both brothers will, however, take part in the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday.

Ralf's spokesman Thomas Hofmann said: "I can confirm that Ralf and Michael's mother died this morning."

"That's the only thing we can say, please respect that this is a private matter."

The FIA issued a statement extending its sympathy to the brothers and said that both 'are released from the necessity to participate in all formalities both prior to and subsequent to the 2003 San Marino Grand Prix'.

Five-times world champion Michael will start the race in pole position, with Ralf second.

Ralf arrived at the Imola track on Sunday morning dressed in a black top and dark blue jeans.

The brothers had flown to Cologne to visit their mother after Saturday's qualifying session. They arrived back in Imola late on Saturday night.