The Race Should have been Stopped, Says Schumacher

World Champion Michael Schumacher won an extraordinary Australian Grand Prix as the Formula One season began with a massive pile-up on the first corner and just a handful of finishers.

In a race that resembled a demolition derby more than the pinnacle of motor racing, the Ferrari driver from Germany emerged triumphant once again to claim a 54th career win and his third straight victory in Australia.

After cruising to victory with only eight of the 22 starters still on the circuit, Schumacher said he thought the race should have been re-started after a first lap crash between his teammate Rubens Barrichello and his younger brother, Ralf.

Ralf took off into the air after colliding with the back of Barrichello's Ferrari and eight cars were forced out of the race as they collided trying to avoid the accident.

"From my point of view it should have been red-flagged and the race started again," said Schumacher, going for his fifth world title this year. "There is a certain rule and they (race officials) followed the rule, but maybe you can argue the rule should be changed."

Schumacher admitted he enjoyed his fight for first place with Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, who finished in second place, more than 18 seconds behind the German. The Ferrari driver, who used last year's F2001 chassis in Australia, also said he was surprised by his victory.

"It was an interesting fight with Juan; a straight battle with pretty equal cars," Schumacher added. "I lost a bit of ground after the first Safety Car, but Juan braked on oil at turn 3 and I could pass. Then Trulli always closed the door on me and I was worried because Juan was getting closer.

"I did not think we could win here, but things change quickly and from the next race I expect it to be much closer. We would like to use the new car as soon as possible, but only if it is better than this one and reliable."