Schumacher off to a flyer

Michael Schumacher made the perfect start to the San Marino Grand Prix to lead as Christijan Albers suffered a dramatic accident.

Schumacher, starting from a record 66th pole position, led from Honda’s Jenson Button when the lights went out but the racing only lasted a lap before the safety car was brought out.

Midland driver Albers was pitched into a barrel roll by Super Aguri rookie Yuji Ide but was able to walk away from his wrecked car.

Felipe Massa moved into third at the start as Honda’s Rubens Barrichello dropped to fifth, with world champion Fernando Alonso gaining a spot to claim fourth.