Schumi hits security barrier

2008-07-31 16:52

London - Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher had a minor collision in his car with a security barrier outside a car dealership in England last week.

Martin Kingham, the owner of Millfield Motors in Kent, southern England, said he was sent spinning on to the hood of a parked car when the security barrier he was closing was hit by the German's van on Sunday.

Kingham said he was unhurt despite being hit on the leg.

"It was a minor thing," Schumacher's agent, Sabine Kehm, told The Associated Press on Thursday. "By no means did Michael bump into the man or drive the man over.

"He was overtaking someone and hit a railing being put out in the road by the man. The railing collided with Michael's wing mirror."

Kingham didn't realise it was Schumacher in the van until police officers arrived.

"The copper said to me when I was in the office that this chap is claiming to be Michael Schumacher," Kingham said. "I said, 'You know what, he doesn't half look like him."'

Kent police described it as a "minor collision"

"The officers assessed the situation, spoke to two men at the scene, helped them to exchange details and no further police involvement is required," police said.

Schumacher retired from F1 racing in 2006, but is still a test driver for Ferrari.

- AP