The German racing driver, Michael Schumacher, has broken his leg in a high speed crash at the start of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

His Ferrari shot off the track and smashed into a wall of tyres.

Race stewards spent some minutes freeing him from the wreckage before he was taken to hospital.

It's thought that the former world champion will miss at least the next three races.

In the grand prix itself, Schumacher's main rival, the current champion, Mika Hakkinen of Finland failed to finish.

Victory went to Hakkinen's teammate, David Coulthard of Britain.

Eddie Irvine was second in a Ferrari, with Schumacher's brother Ralf third in a Williams.