Schumacher to start from pits after accident.

Michael Schumacher will be forced to start the Chinese Grand Prix from the pit-lane after being torpedoed by Christijan Albers while the cars were forming up on the starting grid.

Albers appeared to misjudge Schumacher's reduced speed during the formation laps, hitting the Ferrari hard on its left-rear corner before riding up and over the left side, damaging the sidepod and front corner. Both cars were left in no fit state to take the start, just twenty minutes away, and both Ferrari and Minardi garages became a hive of activity as the spare cars were readied.

"I was just warming up my tyres when, suddenly, I felt a big bang," Schumacher said, "I have not seen the incident on video yet, so I will not comment further."

Albers was a little more forthcoming with his version of events, but did not seek to apportion blame.

"I think everyone saw what happened on the formation lap, and I think it was a shame for both of us," the Dutchman said, "We have to work a bit harder to heat up our
tyres than some other teams, so I was going fast. As I approached, Michael didn't see me and veered to the left. I couldn't avoid him. It was an unfortunate racing incident."

The rules permit drivers to switch the reserve machine, but only if the start from the pit-lane. While following the field at the start will not be too much of a handicap for Albers, who was due to start from 18th, it is a bitter blow for the out-going world champion, who had qualified a solid sixth.