NEUSS, Germany German company Mercedes called on Michael Schumacher to apologize here on Monday after he attempted to confront rival Formula One driver David Coulthard following their collision in the drama-packed Belgian Grand Prix. Mercedes, which provides the engines for Coulthard's McLaren team, said it feared its drivers could be targetted by Schumacher's fans in Italy during the Grand Prix at Monza on September 13.

Mercedes's sports division chief Norbert Haug said: A Schumacher apology would calm things down. The situation could degenerate at Monza and we must avoid that. He said angry Ferrari fans had already thrown cans at Coulthard in Belgium. Schumacher, looking certain of victory and of taking over the leadership of the World Championship, was forced out of Sunday's race at SPA-Francorchamps after his Ferrari smashed into the back of Coulthard's car.

Schumacher, who accused Coulthard of causing the collision by slowing down suddenly, tried to confront the Scot in the pits only to be forced back by McLaren officials. (AFP)