Formula One: Schumacher escapes injury after crash

Michael Schumacher escaped injury when his Ferrari drove off the track during testing in Spain.

The car hit protective barriers, but the F1 champion got himself out of the car unaided.

No other vehicle was involved in the crash.

The car was taken to the team's box for checks.

The accident came less than two weeks after Schumacher's teammate, Rubens Barrichello, wrecked his car.

He only suffered minor bruises during pre-season training at a circuit in eastern Spain.

"The accident was my fault but I am fine, I'm feeling okay," said Schumacher before heading home to Switzerland.

Team-mate Rubens Barrichello also badly damaged his car in a similar crash later in the day, forcing Ferrari to scrap the rest of the test session.

Schumacher had considered returning to the Spanish track on Friday to take over testing in Barrichello's car but abandoned that idea following the Brazilian's accident.

The duo were both in last year's car while Ferrari will unveil their 2002 challenger at their Italian headquarters next Wednesday.

Schumacher is scheduled to resume testing in the new car in Valencia, Spain a day after the launch.

The German will begin his bid for a record equalling fifth drivers' crown - and his third in succession with Ferrari - when the season gets underway in Melbourne, Australia, on March 3.