Mercedes GP have started an investigation into the cause of Michael Schumacher's qualifying crash at the Belgian GP.
Seven-times world champion a qualifying casualty after losing rear wheel
Mercedes GP have launched an investigation into the cause of Michael Schumacher's crash at the start of qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday.
The seven-times world champion, who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Formula One debut this weekend, left the track after his car lost its right-rear wheel at Spa-Francorchamps.
The incident occurred on the run to the Rivage right-hand bend. After the wheel detached itself, Schumacher's car snapped rightwards into a crash barrier before sliding into a gravel trap.
Initially, Schumacher believed himself to be at fault, only to later discover that was far from the case, despite the incident leaving the German starting at the back of the grid.
Team principal Ross Brawn said: "I'm disappointed for Michael because the conditions would have suited him perfectly.
"We need to look at exactly what happened, but it would appear there was something amiss with the right-rear wheel attachment.
"We need to go through it carefully tonight to ensure there can be no repeat."
Difficult
Schumacher now faces an uphill struggle to merely claim a point on a circuit where he has triumphed six times in the past.
Reflecting on the incident, Schumacher said: "Obviously, I would have wished for a different end to today's qualifying.
"But it is difficult to drive on three wheels - even if I have had the experience of doing that in Spa (after he crashed into the back of David Coulthard in 1998).
"Seriously, this is certainly something that should not occur, but then this is also Formula One.
"Although we are working at the highest level, things can still happen.
"At first I wasn't sure what had happened as I just felt myself lose the back end suddenly which is why I instantly apologised to the team.
"But then I saw the wheel off the car and understood the reason why I had lost control.
"Trying to find the good in the bad, I'd say I still have some fresh sets of tyres left, and that there is only one direction to go tomorrow - forward."
