By Abhishek Takle

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium, Aug 28 (Reuters) - The Belgian Formula One Grand Prix was temporarily halted on Sunday after a high-speed crash involving Renault's Kevin Magnussen.

The Dane lost control of his car as he crested the fast uphill sweep of the Eau Rouge corner and slammed violently into the barriers.

Magnussen, who had started 12th on the grid, emerged unhurt but limping slightly from the crash which damaged the tyre barriers bordering the track.

Officials initially deployed the safety car as marshals worked to repair damage to the barriers, but with extensive repairs required, decided to wave the red flag.

The race is scheduled to resume at 1441 (1241GMT) local time.

Mercedes pole-sitter Nico Rosberg was leading when the race was halted with nine of the 44 laps completed.

Daniel Ricciardo was second in the Red Bull after a chaotic start in which Max Verstappen, second on the grid, and the Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel collided at the first corner.

Lewis Hamilton, who started on the back row after a 55-place engine-related grid penalty, was in fifth.

Hamilton leads team mate Rosberg by 19 points in the overall standings, having won six of the last seven races. He is gunning to become only the third driver to score 50 career wins.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)

Keywords: MOTOR F1 BELGIUM/REDFLAG