European Grand Prix re-starts after rain

NUERBURGRING, Germany, July 22 (Reuters) Heavy rain caused chaos at the European Formula One Grand Prix today with the race stopped and then re-started behind the safety car.

Astonishingly, German rookie Markus Winkelhock was leading by 33 seconds in his home debut for Spyker when the red flags came out on lap four.

Winkelhock had qualified in last position.

A series of drivers skidded out at the first corner on the third lap, including McLaren's championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

The 22-year-old British rookie, who crashed heavily in qualifying, remained in his car with the engine running and was able to rejoin the race after the McLaren was lifted by crane back on to the track.

The Briton re-started at the back of the field after the 22-minute stoppage.

Winkelhock had gained his unexpected and short-lived advantage by diving into the pits at the end of the formation lap to change tyres, with most of the leaders taken by surprise and pitting at the end of the first lap as the rain fell.

REUTERS BJR RS1825