Schumacher Stays Calm Despite Shaky Start

German Michael Schumacher is staying calm despite failing to finish Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, his first such failure since he retired from the 2001 German Grand Prix.

Ferrari's five-times World Champion Schumacher was one of the casualties of a chaotic race, his car aquaplaning backwards into the barriers on lap 27 while he had been challenging in third place. The accident compounded the German's nightmare start to the season, already the worst of his career, and left him with just eight points from the first three races.

The same turn three caused repeat mayhem, with the space behind the tyre wall soon turned into an expensive scrapyard for shattered cars. Schumacher's wingless Ferrari joined the Williams of Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, the Jaguar of Brazilian rookie Antonio Pizzonia as well as the Minardi and BAR of Britons Justin Wilson and Jenson Button.

Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello also failed to finish the race, retiring from the race while leading on lap 46.

"I am disappointed for myself and for what happened to Rubens. We both had the possibility of winning today," said Schumacher. "The weather conditions were difficult but acceptable today. As for my accident, I was aquaplaning and in that situation, you are just a passenger in the car.

"In terms of the championship, obviously it would have been better for us if Fisichella had won this race, especially as Giancarlo drove a good race anyway. But the gap to the championship leader is not so big, given there are still 13 races, so there is no need to be concerned about it."

Local favourite Barrichello endured another day of agony at his home race, retiring with a mechanical problem and failing to finish in Brazil for the ninth consecutive time.

"I am very disappointed," said the Brazilian. "All I can say is that I did my very best. It was very frustrating as I was sure I could win. I am very disappointed not to have taken victory here in front of my fans. This double retirement does not mean we are in a crisis.

"We have been competitive in all three races so far and so I am confident for the rest of the season."