Drivers Not Concerned with High-Speed Start

Michael Schumacher has confirmed he will not attempt to convince drivers at the start to agree to a no-overtaking pact for the US Grand Prix, despite concerns that the high-speeds on the Indianapolis track could create danger.

Schumacher asked his fellow racers to 'back off' at the start of the Italian Grand Prix as he feared an incident in the tight first corner at Monza, but he says the track at Indy is wide enough to allow full attack from the moment the lights go out.

"I don't see too much risk," said Schumacher. "We always have a first corner after a start, some are tighter than others. But I guess it's going to be an exciting moment for all of us to get into the first corner and see whoever is first."

Finnish rival Mika Hakkinen, who will sit alongside Schumacher on the front row in his McLaren for Sunday's race, agreed with the Ferrari driver. "The third turn is definitely very wide and gives plenty of opportunities for drivers to make a move before the first corner, and the first corner also actually quite wide, too," he said.

"If you compare this circuit to last Grand Prix, definitely, the first corner seems to be much safer. I'm sure we don't have to talk about any kind of agreement here."