Schumacher escapes scary first-lap crash

Michael Schumacher was fortunate not to be seriously injured today in the F1 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Schumacher, who started the race from eighth, went out on the opening lap, when he spun across the pack at the turn 5-6 chicane. Although his car did not appear to be too damaged, Vitantonio Liuzzi was left with nowhere to go and mounted the German's Mercedes GP W01, coming perilously close to the seven-time world champions helmet.

Thankfully Schumacher walked away fine, but it was another warning just how dangerous this sport can be - and will no doubt further fuel rumours that he might abort his comeback and hang up his helmet for good.

Speaking after the incident though, Schumacher didn't seem overly bothered and pointed out straight away that he is already looking forward to F1 2011.

"I am totally fine and was not hit by anything in the incident," Schumacher said. "I had to go to the Medical Centre - but just for a precautionary check.

"I went off the line, spun and because of the dirt there, the back of the car just came around. It's a shame obviously as I would have liked to finish the season with a more positive ending.

"But I am already looking forward to fighting again next year. I would like to say thank you to everybody in our team for all of their hard work.

"Also, I'd like to say a big congratulations' to Sebastian [Vettel] for his great victory - and taking the title.

"That was extremely well done after his season was so mixed but he was able to come back strongly in the last few races."

Force India's Vitantonio Liuzzi meanwhile was also upset not to be able to get the chequered flag: "For me today was a bit of a disappointing end to what's been a fantastic year for the team," he added.

"I had a good start, gaining a couple of positions and had got into a good place for the first stint, but then I came round the third corner and saw a cloud of smoke in front.

"I couldn't move anywhere as there were cars all around me and then when the smoke cleared I saw Michael the wrong way round and stopped on track. I couldn't do anything but thankfully we were both OK after the accident.

"I am sorry that we could not score any points today to get back to sixth in the championship [from Williams]. But even so the team has worked so hard today and for the whole of the season. Congratulations to Sebastian on his first world title."