Albers, Schumacher Crash on Way to Grid
Michael Schumacher's 2005 gremlins continued in the final round of the year, after the Ferrari former World Champion was forced to start the Chinese Grand Prix from the pitlane in the spare car, having collided with Minardi's Christijan Albers on the way to the grid
Schumacher was on his way to the sixth slot of the grid, where he qualified yesterday, driving at slow speed to conserve fuel. At the same time Albers appeared driving behind the German at high speed, and unprepared, he slammed heavily into the Ferrari. Schumacher's car was badly damaged.
He attempted to limp back to the pit with a shredded left rear tyre and his front left wheel in tatters but was forced to abandon the car.
With 25 minutes to go before the start of the race, the Ferrari driver returned to the garage to prepare the spare car, and he will take the start from the pitlane.
According to the 2005 regulations, drivers are permitted to switch to the spare car if their race car is damaged beyond repair prior to the race. However, starting with the spare car means also starting from the pitlane.
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