World champion Michael Schumacher won an empty victory at the US Grand Prix after only six cars started the race because of a fiasco over tyre safety.

Seven of the 10 teams pulled out after the warm-up lap. Their demand for an extra chicane to slow the cars on the banking because of concern over the durability of Michelin's tyres was not met.

Germany's Schumacher claimed his first win of the season ahead of Ferrari team mate Rubens Barrichello of Brazil, both on Bridgestone tyres. They were never troubled by the much slower Jordan and Minardi drivers.

Loud boos rang out from the stands at the Brickyard track, which were packed with an estimated 120,000 spectators, during and after the race. Many fans had left before the end.

"This is going to leave a long-lasting bitter taste in people's mouths," Red Bull driver David Coulthard told Britain's ITV television. "Quite frankly, as a driver, I'm embarrassed to be involved in this situation.

"The fact is that mature adults were not able to put on a show for everybody. It's a very sad day for racing."

The sport's governing body ruled out the chicane while champions Ferrari were also against the idea. The six cars that started the race were those on Bridgestone tyres.

Schumacher's younger brother Ralf of Toyota was forced to miss the race after crashing heavily in Friday's practice when his rear left tyre suddenly deflated on the high-speed banked final corner before the pit straight.

"It's a big frustration for the whole team, the drivers, for Formula One in general, especially in front of the US fans," said Italian Jarno Trulli who had taken his Toyota to pole position but never started.

"But we couldn't avoid this situation - we were in danger and we knew it. It was very clear that Michelin runners couldn't race today."

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