BAR's Jock Clear is one of many people who believes that Michael Schumacher's spin during qualifying was intentional. In a season which the German has totally dominated, and two weeks after that epic drive at Monza, another fight from the back of the field might finally convince the German's critics - those who claim he has won the championship without having to pass anyone on track.

Ross Brawn denies this, and claims the German "made a mistake".

Anyway, in it infinite wisdom, Ferrari has opted to change the engine in Schumacher's F2004 - prompting the inevitable headline 'A chink in the armour', while also deciding to start the German from the pitlane.

A strange call, which should certainly make for an interesting drive from Schumacher, not for the first time.

As the cars prepare for the warm-up lap, the air temperature is 29 degrees C, while the track temperature is 40 degrees.

Other than Schumacher, the other thing to focus on today, will be the battle for runner-up spot in the championship between BAR and Renault, a fight which at this stage the Brackley outfit appears to be winning.

Barrichello leads the field around this impressive facility on the warm-up lap, though the Brazilian doesn't appear to be forcing a very serious pace.

Barrichello gets away cleanly, while Massa makes a brilliant as does Sauber teammate Fisichella. Button loses out, losing two places, as Villeneuve gains two places.

At the end of the first lap, Barrichello leads Raikkonen by 0.6s, with Alonso third ahead of Massa, Button and Fisichella. Sato has made up several positions, while Schumacher is running last - he was unable to put fuel in the car until after the red lights went out.

Massa and Button are involved in a titanic battle for fourth, the Brazilian giving no quarter. Finally the Englishman gets through, his Michelins clearly having the advantage.

After 3 laps, Barrichello's lead is up to 1.3s, while Michael is up to eighteenth.

Fisichella closes in on Massa, who appears to be struggling. Raikkonen closes the gap to Barrichello to 0.8s, as Alonso is 2.2s behind the Finn.

Massa is now leading a whole train of cars - Fisichella, Ralf, Coulthard, Zonta, Webber, Villeneuve and Montoya.

Massa has no grip, and is unable to hold off his teammate, who slips through, unfortunately so too does Ralf. Coulthard also finally gets past the struggling Brazilian.

Michael Schumacher is now running seventeenth, closing in on Olivier Panis, who is in turn chasing Klien.

As Barrichello and Raikkonen battle up front, Button makes a bold move on Alonso, and makes it stick.