"This news is obviously very disappointing for myself and for the team," Schumacher said.
Juan Pablo Montoya, the fastest driver in three of the four practice sessions, followed Zonta out on the track for qualifying.
He was forced to qualify his McLaren-Mercedes early as punishment for his disqualification last weekend in Canada. With thousands of Colombian fans cheering him on, Montoya posted a lap that put him on top of the board.
It lasted just minutes, though, as the Renaults of Fisichella and Alonso both bested him on the speed chart.
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