Formula 1: Tragedy mars Aussie Grand Prix

The death of a track marshall following an accident has marred the Australian Grand Prix, which was won by Michael Schumacher in the early hours of this morning.

The German won by just 1.7 seconds from McClaren’s David Coulthard with Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello over 30 seconds back in third place.

Frenchman Olivier Panis marked his F1 comeback after a year as a test driver with fourth place for British American Racing.

However, the race has been overshadowed by the death of the marshall. He was struck by debris when Jacques Villeneuve’s car was launched into the air after hitting the back of the Williams BMW of Ralf Schumacher early in the 58-lap race.

Villeneuve’s car was left in tatters after the accident.

This tragedy comes just months after a fire marshall was killed during a race at Monza. Eddie Irvine finished 11th for Jaguar Racing.