Schumacher survives monster shunt.

Reigning world champion Michael Schumacher walked away from the biggest accident since breaking his leg at Silverstone two years ago, when his Ferrari rolled out of Friday practice in Melbourne.

The German was attempting to wrest top spot in the second free session back from Scuderia team-mate Rubens Barrichello when he appeared to run out of track. As the wheels of his F2001 hit the gravel trap, they dug in and flipped the car onto its side before completing a 360-degree barrel roll and landing back four square close to the tyre wall.

"I was warned of yellow flags in turn five, but I did not see them," Schumacher reported later, "So I speeded up again and then there were yellow flags in the braking area for Turn Six, which was far too late. I was really on the limit, I touched the brakes a little bit harder to slow down enough for the situation and that's why I lost the back end. It was not actually a heavy impact as I did not hit the wall, so it was just a gentle roll and I am fine.

"When I looked at the track yesterday, I did feel there was a problem with the run-off area as there was a step down from the grass to the gravel. But for that, the consequences of the accident, which looked more spectacular than it was, would have been far less serious."

Ferrari was certain that the champion's car was largely undamaged in the incident, and could be repaired for Saturday's qualifying session.