The impact ripped the front left wheel off his car and left debris scattered on the track.
British rookie Ralph Firman's yellow Jordan skidded off heavily into the wall at the same point a lap later, bringing out the safety car for the first of two appearances in the race.
Barrichello's accident happened moments after the Brazilian, involved in a major first lap pile-up at Albert Park this time last year, had been advised of a drive-through penalty for jumping the start.
The lead changed hands three times within the first 16 laps, with cars starting on different fuel loads under new regulations designed to liven up the show, and there was plenty of overtaking and pitstops.
Raikkonen stood out in particular for the way in which he closed the door on Schumacher during a long battle between the two, forcing the German on to the runoff as he tried to overtake.
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