Italian Giancarlo Fisichella finished second in a Benetton, ahead of the UK's Eddie Irvine in the second Ferrari.

Jarno Trulli's car after the crash

Alexander Wurz (Benetton) came in fourth, followed by the two Stewart drivers Rubens Barrichello and Jan Magnussen.

Championship leader Mika Hakkinen retired early - followed by his McLaren teammate David Coulthard.

The race began in dramatic fashion when four cars crashed within seconds of the green light.

Alexander Wurz lost control of his Benetton which flipped and repeatedly rolled until he collided with Frenchman Jean Alesi.

Italy's Jarno Trulli in the Prost and the UK's Johnny Herbert in a Sauber became caught up in the accident.

Hakkinen: Retired early

But Wurz, protected by the "survival cell" of his cockpit, walked away unhurt and was able to pick up the spare car for the re-start.

After the re-start, Hakkinen slowed before retiring at the end of the opening lap, forcing the safety car on to the track until the championship leader's vehicle was cleared away.

That appeared to leave Coulthard in a strong position to close the 17-point gap between the pair at the top of the table.

But his car suffered throttle failure, his second early exit in two races.

Schumacher seized the moment and won his second race of the season with a 16-second lead, putting him five points ahead of Coulthard.

Penalty for Schumacher

Schumacher: Win opens up championship

Michael Schumacher won the race despite incurring a 10-second penalty following a controversial exit from the pit lane.

After picking up fuel and fresh tyres, the German driver dashed from the lane and appeared to force Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Williams) into the gravel.

The Williams team immediately demanded that stewards disqualify Schumacher - but he escaped with just the time penalty.

Villeneuve, driving in front of a 100,000 home crowd, left them disappointed after he crashed out into the gravel and across the grass, leaving him down the order.

Former champion Damon Hill looked set to take his first points of the season until he retired with an electrical failure.

Speaking after the race, David Coulthard said he was disappointed with how the day had ended for him.

"I've got to keep smiling because the only other option is to cry," he said.