On-song Schumacher delayed by McNish crash

Allan McNish emerged unscathed from a 170mph smash that halted qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix for 75 minutes before Michael Schumacher took pole at Suzuka this morning.

The 32-year-old Scot suffered only a sore neck and knee and is hopeful of racing in tomorrow’s season finale despite the car punching its way through a metal barrier.