Michael Schumacher Walks Away From Crash

SAO PAULO, Brazil October 23, 2004-- Michael Schumacher crashed in Saturday's final Brazilian Grand Prix practice session, forcing him to switch to a new engine and car in a move that will cost him a chance at yet another pole position.

The seven-time world champion was not hurt in the crash, which happened a few minutes before the end of the fourth practice run when his car spun on a turn and rear-ended a tire barrier. The car's engine caught fire while Schumacher was still inside, but he managed to get out without difficulty and walked away.

But Ferrari mechanics could not quickly repair the engine, meaning Schumacher will be penalized 10 spots on the starting grid for Sunday's race because they had to change the engine.

Schumacher has had eight pole positions this year. He is two short of Ayrton Senna's mark of 65 career poles.

Despite the crash, Schumacher posted the second-fastest time in the fourth and final practice session. Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello, who grew up near the Interlagos circuit, was fastest with a lap of 1 minute, 10.229 seconds on 2.678-mile circuit.