Nightmare Grand Prix for Williams Duo

The Williams team endured a nightmare start their United States Formula One Grand Prix when Ralf Schumacher and teammate Juan Pablo Montoya collided after the first lap.

Montoya was trying to overtake Ralf on the outside for fourth place into the first corner when the German's car skidded on the kerb and the rear spun out and clouted his teammate's.

Ralf's rear wing was knocked off in the impact while Montoya, hoping to become the first Indy 500 winner to also win a Grand Prix at Indianapolis, went careering over the grass before rejoining the race without apparent damage.

"I couldn't see what part of his car hit me. He pushed me off the track and that was about it," said Montoya, who recovered to finish in fourth place.

Schumacher then endured a one minute nine second wait in the pits while a new wing was fitted and rejoined the race in last place - a lap behind his older brother Michael who made a clean start to lead for Ferrari. Ralf went on to finish in 16th place two laps down.

The two Williams drivers share equal status in the team and also had a battle into the first corner at the last Italian Grand Prix, when Ralf went past Montoya in an optimistic overtaking manoeuvre.