Schumacher anger over US race

Michael Schumacher won at Monza last year

Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has spoken out against the decision to go ahead with the US Grand Prix in late September.

He labelled the move to stage the race despite the terrorist attacks on America as "a bad joke".

Formula One leaders have agreed in principle that both Sunday's Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the US GP at Indianapolis a fortnight later will be run.

This Saturday's German 500 Cart race will also take place.

Ferrari later announced it will run unbranded cars, without sponsors' logos, in its home race as a mark of respect.

A spokesman for FIA, the sport's governing body, said: "There is no plan to cancel future grands prix."

I do not think it is safe

Ralf Schumacher on the US GP

But Schumacher called on Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone to scrap the race at Indianapolis on 30 September.

The Williams-BMW driver also said the Monza race should not be taking place.

"It is a bad joke intending to go to the United States and racing there," said the 26-year-old German.

"I do not think it is safe and I, for sure, will not be taking my family and friends.

Team sponsors

"We are just 22 drivers but we also have to think about the 200,000 spectators.

"Bernie Ecclestone is recommending us to race there and I will be anxious to see if he turns up."

Schumacher's fears have been backed up privately by several other drivers and team personnel.

Several of the teams have sponsors who are likely to have lost personnel in the attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York.

Credit Suisse are a major sponsor of Sauber, Jaguar Racing are backed by HSBC, McLaren have links with Sun Microsystems while Reuters are one of the sponsors of Williams.

Britain's David Coulthard expressed his sadness for the terrible events but said publicly that not holding the race would mean giving in to the terrorists.

My initial feeling was that I just wanted to go home and be with my family and my friends and my loved ones

Cart driver Jimmy Vasser

Friday's two practice sessions will go ahead despite it being declared a day of mourning by the European Union.

First practice will start 10 minutes early so that a minute's silence can take place at noon.

Frank Williams, head of the Williams-BMW team, said. "In my opinion, the Grand Prix should happen.

"I have spoken with about it with (Formula One supremo Bernie) Ecclestone and he shares my opinion. Terrorism must not win."

The director of Monza's Autodrome Enrico Ferrari agreed, saying: "We are working with a sentiment of infinite sadness, but life must continue."

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials have already confirmed that plans to stage the American Grand Prix on 30 September are unchanged.

"We intend to go forward with the race," said Fred Nation, vice-president for corporate communications and public relations at the Speedway.

Rain washed out all practice sessions on the Dresden track which hosts Saturday's Cart race.

Spokesman Mike Zizzo confirmed that practice and qualifying would be set for Friday.