Monza (Italy), Sep 03: Ralf Schumacher's Williams car caught fire yesterday during formula one testing for this month's Italian Grand Prix.

Schumacher, younger brother of world champion Michael, had just pulled into the pitlane for tyre checks after several laps when flames appeared.

Marshals moved in quickly with fire extinguishers and put out the fire within seconds. The blaze was believed to have been caused by an oil leak. Williams lead Ferrari by eight points in the constructors' championship with three races to go.
Michael Schumacher is top of the drivers' championship, one point ahead of Ralf's Williams team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya and two clear of Mclaren's Kimi Raikkonen.



The Italian Grand Prix takes place on September 14.


Bureau Report